CHURCH HISTORY
In the summer of 1925, Morning Star Baptist Church was established after separating from Pearlie Grove Baptist Church of Jackson, Mississippi. Under the guidance of Reverend Albert Thornton, Morning Star Baptist Church started with fifteen members in 1925. The first services were held in Cuney Hall, located on the corner of Farish and Amite Streets. There was one Deacon, Ike Brown. Two months later, five additional deacons were appointed: I. S. Brown, John Pearson, Lee James, Bill McCuring and Dempsey Lewis. Brothers Leonard Wilson, H. C. Carter and Landy McWright served as trustees. The first mothers were Lula Lofton, Carter and McQuine. The first church clerk was Clarence Winter.
church history cont......
The birth of Morning Star Baptist Church gave way to various organizations within the church. The Missionary Society was organized by Sister Lula Lofton, who served as its president; The Sunday School was organized by Brother Sell Mason who served as superintendent; The Baptist Training Union was organized by Brother Leonard Wilson who served as director; and the Senior Choir was organized by Deacon I. S. Brown who served as president. Deacon Brown subsequently organized other choirs and directed them for more than 29 years.
Morning Star Baptist Church held its first revival service under a tent on Hamilton Street. Reverend Billy Sunday, from Alabama, served as evangelist. The revival resulted in twenty-five candidates being received for baptism. Baptism took place in the Pearl River.
The vision for growth was inspired by different leaders over the years. Under the pastorate of Reverend Thornton, land was purchased to build a church; however, Reverend Thornton resigned in 1928. Reverend James Beard and Reverend Richard Hardis then led the church for short periods. Reverend N. C. Johnson was later elected as pastor, and a frame church was built. Afterwards, Reverend Johnson resigned.
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In 1930, the church chose Reverend John H. Sims as pastor and he served for four years. Reverend P. E. Lott succeeded Reverend Sims. Reverent Lott accepted an invitation to conduct revival services in June 1934, and was chosen as pastor in September of 1934. His administration lasted for 31 years, ending in January 1965. Upon Reverend Lott's resignation, he recommended that Reverend Sterling Jones be accepted. Reverend Jones was immediately elected and preached his first sermon on February 13, 1965.
Sister Lula Newman was president of the Missionary Society during Reverend Lott's 31 year administration, and the church flourished with the formation of more organization such as the J.M.A., Matron's League, Y.W.A., Sunshine Band, Red Circle, Crusaders and the Pastor's Aide Club, which was organized by Sister M. A. Roebuck. Simultaneously, the church's membership was rapidly growing in shorter time spans, and it became apparent that a larger building was needed to accommodate the worship service. Thus, a massive building program was started to address the quickly escalating membership. A larger edifice was erected at 960 Kane Street in 1947.
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Morning Star's growth steadily increased, and a small plot of land was purchased directly behind the church with the intention of expanding. It was later decided that a new site was needed. Two and one-half acres of land located at 3420 Albermarle Road was purchased and changes in leadership followed.
Reverend Jones resigned as pastor on January 25, 1970. On March 30, 1970, Dr. M. K. Nelson was elected as the church's eighth pastor. Illness prevailed and God called Dr. Nelson to eternal rest on April 16, 2001. The valiant men and women of Morning Star kept the faith through trials and tribulations by providing light in a dark world, peace to the troubled, compassion to the weary and love to all God's children.
On March 9, 2002, the current pastor, Reverend John Russell Johnson, Jr. was elected to be the ninth pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church. Under his progressive leadership, Morning Star has grown into a larger more diversified congregation, with essential ministries for internal study, growth and external outreach. The ministries implemented under Pastor Johnson's direction include Daughters of Destiny, Prison, Crown, Greeters, Brotherhood, Assimilation, Children's Church, Transportation, Young Adult Choir, and Adopt-A-School. Pastor Johnson's innovativeness has also fostered modifications in services, such as Christmas Eve Worship Service and Mid-day Bible Study. Additionally, Pastor Johnson has been instrumental in establishing Fun and Family Day; restructuring Vacation Bible School to incorporate the entire family; creating a church website, church newsletter, church family and pictorial directories; and implementing other activities that include the annual Couples Sweetheart Banquet and an alternative to the traditional Halloween holiday.