Eastern Star Baptist Church History

  1924
Eastern Star Baptist Church was organized in 1924 under the leadership of the late Rev. Gilliams. The location of the church at that time was 800 Houston Avenue, then known as the "Red Quarters". The church later moved to Short Texas Avenue, then to 15th Street. After a terrible windstorm, it relocated on Marion Anderson Avenue.
1926
Rev. Roach was called to pastor the church and remained until 1928.
1928
Rev. S. M. Franklin was called to Pastor. Due to circumstances beyond his control, resigned.
Rev. Broxton served as acting Pastor until Rev. Franklin returned later on in the year. 

 1955
Rev. Rufus Collins was called to Pastor. Under his leadership the Church was sold and a new sanctuary was built at 300 West 13th Street. Rev. Collins served as Pastor until February 26, 1959. 

  1959
The Associate Pastor, Rev. Elijah Williams served as acting Pastor from February 26 until Rev. Luther B. Wade was called to pastor on June 7, 1959. 

1964
Under the leadership of Rev. Wade, a sanctuary was purchased at 548 East 15th Street on July 26th

1979
Under the leadership of Rev. L. B. Wade a vision to build a new sanctuary was given to the congregation.

1988

On October 30th, after 31 years of faithful service, due to failing health, Rev. Wade retired. Associates ministers: Rev. A.P. Thomas, Rev. Joseph Crook, Sr., the late Rev. Jesse Jones, and Rev. David Godly served faithfully until the Lord sent Rev. L. W. Scott, Sr.

1989 

In June, Rev. Scott was called to pastor. On Sunday, September 17th, a formal installation service was held.

1990 

The vision that began under the leadership of Rev. Wade continued to progress. On November 18th a formal groundbreaking ceremony was held.

1991 

On September 29th, under the leadership of Pastor L. W. Scott, Sr. services were held in our new sanctuary. Praise God it was debt free!! A formal "Victory Celebration" was observed during the week of October 20-27.  

1992 

 In August, the old sanctuary which was located behind our present sanctuary was demolished. Preparing the ground for "Phase 2", (the Educational Wing and Fellowship Hall) an informal ground breaking ceremony was held on Sunday, November 1st, immediately following morning service. Construction began during that week.

1994

 "Phase 2" was completed. On November 20th (Homecoming '94 & Dollar-A-Day Building Fund Program) Sunday school was held in the new educational wing and dinner was served for the first time in the new fellowship hall. Once again, Praise God, it was debt free!!

1995 The church parking lot was completed in April. The church marquee was erected on September 21st. Again, all debt free. To God be the Glory!!

1998

 Two new Ford vans were purchased, debt free! A tape ministry and the "Men In Action" auxiliary was organized.

2000
During the summer, on lot adjacent to the church was purchased. This property will be used to build a Family Life Center. Rev. Donald Tatmon was hired as Youth Pastor. The first boys scout troop and a Singles' Ministry was organized.

2001
Two more lots adjacent to the church wee purchased to build our Family Life Center. A "Family Support Ministry" was organized.

2002
More property adjacent to the church was purchased.

2003
The "Steadfast Teens Actively Raising the Standards" (S. T. A. R. S.) group was organized. Street Ministry and Couples Ministry were organized. Acquisition of the property adjacent to the church is completed. The church hired a full-time secretary for the first time in its history and the business offices is open and operating during the week.