Rising Star Baptist Church was organized in 1907 under the leadership of Rev. W. M. Larry, in Tracy, (Milam County) Texas. A new edifice was built and dedicated December 4, 1924, under the leadership of Rev. D. Westbrook. This building was later moved to another location in Tracy. Under the same pastorate, Cornerstone Ceremony was observed September 4, 1941. Staff serving at that time was, C. H. Everage, L. T. Ward, H. Benford, A. Smith, G. L. Goff, W. Howard, and S. Fleming, Clerk. In the year 1963, under the leadership of Rev. A. E. Chew, Sr., Rising Star was moved to its present location in Rockdale, Texas. After Rev. Chew’s resignation, Rev. J. A. Piper was elected as pastor and worked diligently with the members in completing the remodeling of the building. Staff serving at that time was C. G. Goff, J. D. Terry, J. G. Howard, and G. Goff, Clerk. Under the leadership of Rev. L. O. Lang, the second Cornerstone Ceremony was observed September, 1971. Remodeling, central heat/air, baptistery installed and new church furniture purchased during leadership of Rev. L. O. Lang. Under the leadership of Rev. Ronald W. Carter, a new piano was purchased, central unit expanded, and various renovation projects completed. The church established full time Sunday Worship Services in October, 2000, under the leadership of Rev. Raymond L. Owens. Rev. James A. Davis, Jr. became pastor 2003. He gave Rising Star the challenge to “Celebrate A New Beginning”. Both spiritual and material growth was manifested through his leadership. Rev. Davis was a true visionary. A building Fund was established and work began toward the fulfillment of the vision for the church. The year 2007 marked Rising Star Baptist Church 100 years of history in Milam County, Texas as a church for the glory of Jesus Christ. God has blessed us to become a diverse, multi-cultured body of believers. Over the past years the following ministers have served Rising Star: Reverend(s) W.M. Larry, Harris, Huff, Benford, Shaw, Ollie Wilson, Thorne, D. Westbrook, W.L. Green, A. E. Chew, J.A. Piper, L.O. Lang, J. Moseley, R.W. Carter R.L. Owens, James A. Davis, Jr., and Royal L. Johnson, current pastor. Royal Johnson became pastor December 16, 2008. Pastor Johnson worked with the church body in establishing and implementing vision, values and goals. Phase I of our 10-Year Vision included completing the building of Rising Star Baptist Church Sanctuary. New building was completed September 2012. Pastor Johnson is about “Doing God’s Work”, literally. He and the brothers of the church along with local volunteers and contributors labored and built the new sanctuary for the glory of God’s Kingdom.

"The Journey continues...."

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Dr. Royal L. Johnson, Pastor