1869

Morning Star Baptist Church is conceived and brought into being under a bush harbor near where the home of Bro. Dan Lawrence is located.

Founding fathers include Rev. Ben Sharpe, Rev. Marshall Coleman, Rev. Jeff Kincaide, Rev. Jeff Northcross and Rev. Black.

1874

The church is moved from the Lawrence Place to a section of the city known as “Arkansas” on or near McKnight Street.

1874 – 1890

During this period, two aims succeed.  (1) The erection of a two-room edifice and (2) The purchasing of a more desirable site in order to build a permanent place of worship.

1890 – 1914

Although records do not show specific years, it is believed that the pastors who served during this time period include Rev. John Jordan, Rev. Ben Jones, Rev. H. B. Brown, Rev. J.W. Lester, Rev. D. W. Marks and Rev. J. H. Taylor.

Rev. Ben Jones and members are summoned to assemble and erect a new place of worship on the estate of a Mr. J. B. Campbell, near the L and N Railroad and Patton Street. Before perfection of the meeting place, it burned down. This was the group’s first major disaster and disappointment.

1915 – 1918

Rev. T. J. Wade accepts the call to lead the flock. Under his very capable and splendid leadership, the church makes many extraordinary accomplishments.

Sis Lue Anna Allen becomes the first church organist.

The congregation faces its second major disaster—the church is again completely destroyed by fire. Rev. Wade also leaves. According to records, this happened in the fall of 1918.

The members move their worship services to the Benevolent and Odd Fellows’ Hall, where Fifth Avenue and Etheridge Street meet.

The members meet and vote and decide to consolidate with the Roayal Street Baptist Church, near Thirteenth Avenue and Cotton Street. As fate would have it, at this time, Royal Street Baptist Church was without a pastor.

? – 1947

Rev. J. B. Jernagen becomes the pastor of the consolidated congregation of Royal Street Baptist Church and Morning Star Baptist Church.

The congregation decides to hold worship services in the Vance Auditorium on West Vine Street.

Under the very capable leadership of Rev. Jernagen, the Morning Star edifice is rebuilt on the site of Royal Street Baptist Church. Realizing that his mission here is complete, Rev. Jernagen heeds the call to move on.

1922 – 1925

In the spring of the year, Rev. E. C. McConnico accepts the call to Morning Star. He proves to be an executive, as well as an outstanding preacher of the Word. He was the first pastor to initiate the idea of a church parsonage, as living quarters for pastors and their families.

1925 – 1933

Rev. J. B. Hunt becomes pastor. With money the sum of ninety dollars that was left by the pastor prior to his coming, Rev. Hunt sets out to rebuild Morning Star. On Sunday, July 3, 1927, members of Morning Star worships in the new building.

Rev. Hunt initiates the Sunshine Band, naming Sis. S. M. Wilkins as the leader. The Pastor’s Aide, Willing Workers and the Mothers’ Board are initiated by Rev. Hunt.

On June 9, 1933, Rev. Hunt is eulogized in the church that he worked so hard to complete.

1933 – 1945

In July, 1933, the church agrees and calls Rev. P. E. Henderson.  He accepts. While at Morning Star, he arranges a well-planned and defined program of activities.

He gives birth to the Junior Matrons, the Junior Missionary Society, the Young Women’s League, the Red Circle Girls and the Laymen Movement.

His twelve year period at Morning Star Baptist Church he reorganizes the Sunday School and the Baptist Training Union into children and adult divisions.

His twelve year period at Morning Star proves to be one of organizing, revising, and revitalization.

1945 – 1947

Rev. Jacob C. Oglesby, who was recommended by Rev. Henderson, was called to come and serve as the leader of the flock. He served for approximately two years. In his short time as pastor, he initiated the nine-leader Christian Education groups, namely, Cradle Roll, Beginners, Primaries, Juniors, Intermediates, Seniors, Young People, Adults and Home Department.