Prior to the establishment of Rising Star Baptist Church, the building site was known as the Philadelphia Baptist Church. Rev. C.W. Walker was the pastor. Rev. Walker, along with some of the church members, organized the St. Matthew Baptist Church. There were other members, who decided not to join the St. Matthew Baptist Church, and thus were left without a church building and pastoral leadership. Rev. James O. White, Moderator of the Liberty District Association formed a Mission Group which met weekly in prayer.
In August 1962, a decision was made by the Mission Group to organize a new church, and as a result, negotiations began to purchase the same building which was formerly known as the Philadelphia Baptist Church. Bros. Babe Tisdale and Matthew Rupert II were appointed representatives for the Mission Group to check into the purchase of the building. After a price was quoted for the purchase of the building, the Mission Group met and decided to donate money for its purchase. The Church was organized on the Fourth Sunday night in November, 1962. Rev. James O. White presided over the election of officers for the church.
The following members of the Mission group were elected:
Of the three names submitted for the naming of the church, Rising Star Baptist Church (submitted by Jean Reliford), was adopted as the official name of the church by a majority vote.
Through the management of the Deacons Board, services were held in the church from August 1st through November 17th with different ministers conducting services. Rev. James O. White officially accepted all of the officers and appointed Rev. Campbell as Pulpit Supply until a pastor could be called. Rev. Campbell served in this capacity until early January 1963.
Rev. Robert Sherman was called as the first pastor of the Rising Star Baptist Church and began his pastorate in January 1963. His pastorate ended September 1964 due to illness.
Rev. Mitchell Douglas was called as the second pastor of Rising Star Baptist Church in September 1964. Rev. Douglas served until the early summer of 1967. He was called to serve as pastor of another church in Charleston, West Virginia.
Rev. George H. Wilson was called to serve as third pastor of Rising Star Baptist Church. He began his pastorate on the first Sunday in October 1967 and served until September 1989. There were many accomplishments under Rev. Wilson’s leadership such as: the purchase of the Hammond Organ, growth of the membership, the debt for the church and parsonage was paid off before the final due dates, renovation of the pews, baptism facilities installed and the purchase of modern kitchen equipment.
Rev. Bernard Johnson, Sr. was called to serve as the fourth pastor of Rising Star Baptist Church. He began his pastorate the first Sunday in March 1990 and served until his retirement in September 2017. There have been many changes under his leadership: Our membership increased, and ministries/auxiliaries organized include: Male Chorus, Youth and Young Adult Choirs, Courtesy Committee, Starlight Band (mission for ages 4-12), Brotherhood Ministry, Youth Baptist Training Union; Sisters in Christ, Youth Fellowship Group. Various conferences/workshop held yearly include: Men and Women conferences; Faith, Leadership, Stewardship, Musical and other “subject” workshops as a committed effort to build-up the “Body of Christ” to “Serve” as commanded by God’s “Great Commission.”
Rev. Darnell N. Johnson, Sr. was called to serve as the fifth pastor of Rising Star Baptist Church. He began his pastorate in November 2017. His pastorate ended in September 2018
Rev. Johnnie P. Moore, Sr. (our present pastor) was called to serve as the sixth pastor of Rising Star Baptist Church in November 2019. He began his pastorate the third Sunday in December 2019.
Thirteen (13) deacons were added to our Deacons Board
In 2012, we were blessed to celebrate our 50th year:
Giving God the glory for the journey, a Cornerstone was laid on east corner of the Church, presentation of 50th year plaques
to our charter members, and the dedication of a portrait in memory of deceased members. In 2015, restoration (tuck pointing) of the exterior
of our Church was completed. In 2016, painting the exterior of church building was completed and new cushion for our Pews and a
new Church Sign were purchased and installed. Giving God the Glory, all projects were completed with the blessing of “paid in full”,
“no debt” because of the generous, faithful contributions and pledges of the Church family.
