top of page

Our History

In 1914, a congregation assembled, inspired by the vision and faith of Rev. George Britton, along with Bro. Nathan Bell, Sis. Mary Bell, Bro. Jessie Willis, Bro. Albert Phillips, Sis. Pearl Phillips, and Bro. W. Gusmon took the name of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church and they were directed by the Holy Spirit to call Rev. C. H. Jones as its first pastor.  Rising Star blossomed, becoming what it continues to be today, a living vessel through which faith is expressed and hope is extended to mankind.

In 1919, the church was blessed with its first sanctuary under the leadership of Rev. I.S. Ambrose and Rev. White was called to pastor the church in 1925. God continued to bless Rising Star both spiritually and in numbers under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Bazarone and subsequently Rev. Simmons.

In 1950, Rev. D.N. Benford, Sr. was called to be pastor of Rising Star. Under his leadership the church grew to new heights.  Outreach and spiritual development became the key emphasis and many ministries were added to the church, including: a Youth Ministry, Radio Ministry, Transportation Ministry, Bible Band and Vacation Bible School.  In 1952 the church experienced tragedy when a fire burned the sanctuary, but by His grace, saw fit to strengthen the congregation and favored the flock to erect a building campus, which today consists of a sanctuary for worship, a fellowship hall and two annexes on the very spot the ashes lay. In 2022, Our Pastor was honored and named in the Guinness Book of World Records as the World title holder as the Longest Tenure Pastor at One Church for 72 years. In his grace, God has supplied our every need. Rising Star must trust Him to lead us on.

bottom of page