Larry, in Tracy, (Milam County) Texas. A new edifice was built and dedicated
December 4, 1924, under the leadership of Rev. 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. Ward, H. Benford, A. Smith, G. Goff, W. Howard, and S. Fleming, Clerk. In the year 1963, under the lea
dership of Rev. Chew, Sr., Rising Star was moved
to its present location in Rockdale, Texas. After Rev. Chew’s resignation, Rev. J. 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. Terry, J. Howard, and G. Goff, Clerk. Under the leadership of Rev. O. Lang, the second Cornerstone Ceremony was
observed September, 1971. Remodeling, central heat/air and baptistery installed and
new church furniture purchased. This remodeling project was completed August, 1991,
under the leadership of Rev. James Mosley. 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. 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. 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. Goal for completion of the new church was September, 2012. Pastor
Johnson is about “Doing God’s Work”, literally. He and the brothers of the church along
with local volunteers and contributors are laboring and building a church for the glory of
God’s Kingdom. Vision: Be a church that pushes beyond our structured walls to make a positive,
life-changing impact in our community, glorifying God in all that we do. Mission: “Striving to Love One Another as God Loves Us”
Royal L. Johnson, Pastor
