The people of this community and the contiguous church of Hampton and Phoebus had a Sunday School which was held in the public school house and was known as the Morning Star Sunday School.  Each year, a union revival was held and the converts went to the churches of their choice.  In the spring of 1896, there were more than 20 converts.  They decided then that they needed a church in this community, and the late Rev. L. D. Lively, a resident of the community, was chosen as the pastor.  Services were originally held the first and third Sunday of each month.

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In May, these converts were baptized at the Shellbank Farm.  Also, the first three trustees were chosen who were Mr. Lewis Lively, Mr. William Hooker, and Mr. William Perry.  These men assisted in the purchase of the ½ acre of land from Mr. John Shepherd, and in 1897, Mr. Richard Matthews began the construction of the building.

Although Rev. Lively was pastoring Ebenezer and Bethel Baptist Churches, he served them all until he found that three churches were too many and he resigned from Morning Star in 1898.  At this time, the late Rev. A. A. Hill was called.  He served for 39 years until his demise on March 4, 1937.  From the time of his death until October 1938, the church was without a pastor.

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The late Rev. Richard J. Brown was called to pastor the church in October 1938.  He served the church and the community for 35 years until he resigned in April 1974.  Under his leadership, renovations were made that included: adding bathrooms, and purchasing a piano and organ.  He also organized the following:  Willing Workers Club, Church Aid Club, Gospel Choir, and Youth Department with Rev. William A. Staples as the Youth Minister.  Rev. Staples served on the second and fourth Sundays to assist Rev. Brown in developing the Youth Program.  He also established a Building Fund for future construction.  During the pursing months, the church contracted to purchase additional land to build a new church.

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In February of 1975, the late Rev. Malon Clark became pastor of Morning Star and left the church the following year.  Under his pastorate, the Bus Ministry was established.

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After observing ministers for some months, the late Rev. Wilbur R. Jones was selected as pastor in 1976.  Shortly after Rev. Jones became pastor, we were able to liquidate our land debt and began construction of this edifice which was dedicated in June 1980.  With the help of the Lord and the leadership of our former Pastor Emeritus Wilbur R. Jones, we were able to reach great heights.  Some accomplishments are paving of the parking lot; installing lights in the parking lot; purchase of a van for outreach ministry; purchase of computer, printer, and copier for the secretary’s office; purchase of commercial stove; refrigerator, and a freezer for our kitchen, and purchase of an organ and piano.  

With God’s guidance and our pastor’s vision, we were once again blessed to purchase additional land and construction of our third edifice began in winter 1995.  One November 10, 1996, we held a March of Triumph to our new edifice, and it was dedicated on February 2, 1997.

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In addition to the above, we added and updated the office equipment, opened a nursery, a computer lab, installed monitors, purchased a new marquee, began Family and Singles’ Ministry in January 1997, and an 8:00 a.m. worship service in March 1997, purchased 8 additional acres of land; added 4 classrooms; and started paying off the mortgage.  We continued distributing to the necessities of the community. 

Pastor Jones retired on October 28, 2012, after 36 years of service.  The church went without a pastor for three (3) years but continued to do the work of the Lord.  

 

On August 16, 2015, Rev. Dr. Larry A. Jones was installed as Pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church.  During his tenure, we purchased a 15-passenger bus; added a storage shed; paid off the mortgage; built a picnic shelter; installed a security camera system; upgraded the sound system and media system.  He resigned as of March 2023.

 

The Lord has richly blessed Morning Star Baptist Church, and we know that with God’s continued blessings as we search for a new pastor, we will continue to reach even greater heights.  We pray that God will continue to bless our church, and that we will be the church that shines as a beacon with His love so that others may see the light and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.