Milam County Historical Commission
Milam County, Texas
All credit for these articles go to
Susie Sansom-Piper and
the Rockdale Reporter
Milam County, Texas
All credit for these articles go to
Susie Sansom-Piper and
the Rockdale Reporter
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS, SERIES 3, PART 4
‘The little church with the big heart’
by Susie Sansom-Piper
Rockdale Reporter - February 25, 2010
A group of inspired leaders met together in September, 1907, and, under the leadership of
Rev. W. M. Larry, organized Rising Star Baptist Church in the Tracy community.
In December, 1924, a new edifice was built and dedicated under the leadership of Rev. D.
Westbrook.
The first cornerstone ceremony was observed in September, 1941.
During this period the majority of members migrated to other areas in Milam County for
better working conditions.
New location
Under the leadership of Rev. A. E. Chew Sr. the church was moved to its present location
on Texas Street in 1963.
After Rev. Chew’s resignation, Rev. J. A. Piper was elected as pastor, serving the
congregation for the next eight years.
Under his pastorate the church was completely remodeled and the second cornerstone
ceremony was observed in August, 1972, under the leadership of Rev. L. O. Lang and
Moderator Rev. R. A. Westbrook.
The year 1967 brought new experiences in Christian relationship between churches in the
city.
Rising Star Baptist Church and Allen Chapel AME Church joined alliance and organized a
fellowship between the two churches.
Fellowship
This was an inspired revelation of Pastor O. W. Duncan (AME) and J. A. Piper (RSB) to
join saints of diverse denominations in Christian fellowship.
This was the beginning of the Rockdale Eastside Fellowship of Churches which is still in
existence today.
The congregation has also experienced many new innovations under the leadership of former
pastors Revs. James Mosely, Ronald W. Carter, Raymond L. Owens and James Davis.
These included a remodeling project, new musical instruments, expansion of central unit,
youth ministry, praise dance team, church sign, brotherhood ministry, Christian charm
class, male chorus and musical workshop.
Generosity
The church has long been noted as the “little church with a big heart” because of its
generosity and support to the community, families in need and civic projects.
A building fund was implemented under Rev. James Davis with the vision of a new worship
center which would include an educational building and other facilities.
Over the past 100 years 17 ministers have served Rising Star as pastors.
President minister is Rev. Royal L. Johnson. Under his leadership the church continues to
prosper and is now experiencing phase II of the new building program.
Plans are to pay as you go so that the new building can be entered debt free by next
year.
He has also implemented several new programs to encourage and enhance the community as a
whole.
Rising Star’s motto is “striving to love one another as God loves us.”
Rising Star Baptist
Church has been in
the same Texas
Street location
since move in 1963.
.
