It was one hundred and
thirty-nine years ago, immediately after the dark clouds of slavery
began to banish, our forefathers were at a loss as to what to do. The
shackles of slavery broken, God moved in his mysterious power. No
longer did they think in terms of just a mere brush harbor, but they
banded together and decided to erect a place where they could truly
and freely worship God.
It was at this time that the light of freedom had focused on the plot
of ground where the first colored Baptist Church was erected in Rankin
County. Serving on this building committee were two veteran Deacons,
namely, Bro. Edmond Maxey and Bro. Primas Miles. There were others
added, namely:
Rev. Adam Lewis Rev. Gladys
Hunter
Rev. Thornton Taylor Rev. C. P.
Topps
Rev. Davis Rev.
C. J. Stamps
Rev. Randall Rev.
Jernigan
Rev. S. M. Dukes Rev.
Hendris
Rev. Varnado Rev.
Burton
Rev. Franklin Rev.
Patton
Rev. Moore Rev.
Moore
Rev. Gray Rev.
Summons
Rev. C. J. Marsh Rev.
Searcy
In tracing the history of the church in our immediate
vicinity, one is filled with various emotions, which could not be
escaped by an intelligent and sincere individual.
A few years after the Emancipation Proclamation the first church of
Brandon commenced. This is the first tree skirt of founding a church.
In 1869, four years after the bells of freedom rang, a few of God’s
sent men and women who had recently been removed from the chains and
shackles, but would not be removed from their God, congregated in
Jones Quarters to begin a series of prayer meetings. The congregation
grew larger and larger. They decided to select a leader. Rev. Silas
Brown was chosen as their Moses, who led them safely and so increased
the membership that the Court House was utilized as the most available
meeting place. Some inconveniences arose relative to their meeting at
the Court House; however, this did not hamper the progress of
continuance.
Being endowed with true spirit, they built a brush harbor, and under
this harbor they served God as true as the stars in the Heaven.
The Methodist Church had just been completed, and as Christians are
Christians, despite denominations, our services were held on Sunday in
the Methodist Church and the Methodist would hold their services the
next Sunday.
Later, as we might know, the church grew larger and larger, and Rev.
Myles, another disciple of God, conceived the idea of purchasing land
and erecting a Church.
Other pastors whose lives had been touched vastly more than words can
tell ventured our into this worthy mission of development, namely:
Reverend(s) Adams Lewis, George Harris, Gladys Hunter, Thornton
Taylor, C. J. Stamps, Hendris and Jernigan.
Money was scarce at that time, and progress of building was slow. Our
parents and grandparents, that we might be able to enjoy the fruits of
their labor encountered process after process and difficulties after
difficulties.
The experiences, disappointments, and difficulties of our ancestors
should ever remind us that the art to accomplishing anything valuable
and worthy might cause us to face obstacles. We must not give up the
work of the Lord for a few ups and downs. Rev. R. L. Luckett, our
Moses, reminded us that “A quitter never wins and a winner never
quits”.
In 1961 a new chapter of history began. A new church grew out of the
need to house the flock, which by this time had expanded in vast
numbers. A new generation born free of the chains and shackles led by
the spirit of God built and dedicated a place to worship God. This
building had as its Joshua, the former Pastor, Rev. R. L. Luckett,
whose light shone as an example for his sheep to follow. Many
sacrifices of money, time and service were an integral part of the New
Rock Star’s members. This generation felt it could do no less than
build upon faith; as did their ancestors whose struggle and
determination serves as a living monument of true Christianity
In 1979, God saw in the history making of Rock Star Church a new
shepherd with the attributes of Joshua. These attributes included
wisdom, knowledge, understanding, sound doctrine, integrity, and
leadership abilities. In this Rev. Bennie L. Ervin was summoned to
take charge of the congregation leading them down a path of continuous
stability, faithfulness and determination to seek the kingdom of God.
Before embarking on another chapter of history past generations leaves
to the coming generations these thoughts of remembrance:
1. Love ye one another as God has shown his love for you.
2. Acknowledge God in all of your endeavors that He might direct
your path.
3. Use your talents for God’s glory.
4. Strive always for peace and unity, no matter where on earth we
dwell, on Mountain tops or in the dell, in little houses or
mansions fair, where Jesus is, it’s heaven there.
Another chapter of Rock Star’s history was begun on July 27, 1997,
when a new shepherd was chosen to lead this flock into the next
millennium of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This meek shepherd
being the Rev. Christopher C. Armstrong: A Godly Man: Anchored,
Anointed and Appointed in the Word of God. He continued to embark
upon our living legacy and our glorious heritage. He challenged us to
stay in the realm of God so we can have a victorious future. He had
us to know that this church is an enduring light in this the 21st
century.
In
October 2002, another shepherd was sent to lead, inspire, and help us
to maintain our relationship and covenant with God. Reverend Stanley
James, a man of integrity, righteousness, and wisdom challenges us to
“Press toward the Mark of the High Calling”. With his encouragement,
we are pressing on to further spread the Gospel as missionaries.
Reverend James is a Shepherd that is a sanctified man standing firmly
and speaking fervently On the Word of God in this Millennium. We are
“a church getting to know Christ” and being led by a righteous man
rendering service unto the Lord.
In 2008, Reverend Clifton Boggans answered
the call to Shepard the Church and continues to help us gain knowledge
about Christ so that we may live Godly lives and remain Obedient to
our Lord. We strive to continue to build a the solid foundation
in Christ as to lead others to Christ and to be saved.
So as the
Rock Star Church Family seeks a closer relationship with God, we are
confident that God’s Purpose for this church will be fulfilled and
that we will be A Light shining bright, A Legacy that will live on, A
Challenge for the obstacles ahead and Ultimately we will be
victorious.
We are
truly “Pressing Toward the Vision with
Purpose and Renewed Commitment”.
Proverbs 19:18 and
Philippians 3:12-14
