CHURCH HISTORY
The Word of God speaks of the church as a called and visible community of His chosen people. The new testament notes four characteristics of the church: faith in Christ as the primary element; the church as Christ’s visible expression of His life in the world; the church as the community of believers in the Holy Spirit; and the church where there is true fellowship in Christ. With this concept in mind, the New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church was conceived. It was in the summer of 1963 when the late Brother John and Sister Lucy Berry, the late Brother Alto and Laura Foster, and the late Brother Otis and Betty Forrest organized our church, then called a mission, with Reverend Sam King as the teacher. In that same summer, a council of dedicated persons filed with the Judge of Probate of Jefferson County the necessary papers to become New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church. At that same time, Brother Alto Forrest was named chairman of deacons; Brother John Berry was named treasurer; and Reverend Sam King became the pastor.
In 1967, the church called our second pastor, Reverend R. S. Brown. Under his leadership, the church edifice at 7401 London Avenue, Eastlake was built.
In 1975, our present pastor, Reverend Doctor Tommy Chappell, was called to lead the flock. The Lord guided Pastor Chappell to teach the word to our people; thereby, the church began to grow. Souls were saved (still being saved) and lives were changed (still being changed). In addition, new ministries were born. In preparation for growth, under Pastor Chappell’s leadership, we expanded our facility by building a new edifice at 7400 London Avenue, Eastlake, equipped with sanctuary, fellowship hall, pastor’s study, kitchen, conference room, classrooms, and other office space. With this expansion, our membership and finances continued to grow as well. Our present membership is approximately 1200. Due to God’s goodness and our tithes and offerings, we were able to retire the debt on this construction within five (5) years.
In 2003, the Lord, still blessing, allowed us to complete the erection of the NRS Christian Family Life Center. This work was completed mortgage free.
Here, the gospel continues to be preached, heard and responded to in repentance and faith. We thank God for leading and directing His work through us and for using us to accomplish His purpose.
About Us Links
"We've come this
far by faith,
leaning on the Lord,
Trusting in
His Holy Word"
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New
Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church
7400
London Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama 35206
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