On the first Sunday in April, 1913, Rev. J.E. Harris and Rev. J. Jones started a revival in the Knights of Phythias Hall on Academy Hill in Walnut Cove. In this revival sixteen persons were converted and on the third Sunday in the following month twelve were baptized. The following Monday night a church was organized in the Odd Fellows Hall on Main Street and was named The Rising Star Baptist Church.

In 1914 the members purchased a lot to build a church, by 1915 construction had started and it was completed in 1916. The first pastor of Rising Star was Rev. J.E. Harris. The first deacons were Brothers J.W Hairston, G.W. Scales, B.L. Robertson, Roma Hairston, Henry Robertson, E.L. Scales, and Rowan Scales. The first trustees were Brothers JH Hairston, J.E. Harris and B.L. Robertson. From 1913 to 1922, under Rev. J.E. Harris’ leadership the church grew from 16 to 120 members.

Pastors who succeeded Rev. Harris were: Rev. HF Bobo, RC Silver, Rev Elijah Graham, Rev. WM Cross, Rev. Israel Hairston, Rev. WP Patterson, Rev. Dr. JC White, Rev. Thomas Kilgore, Rev. Charles Ward and Rev. Dr. David R Hedgley.

The growth of Rising Star under Rev. Dr. White and his congregation purchased an adjacent lot south of the existing structure. Rev. Kilgore under his shepherding from 1941-1947, established a building fund drive and it was continued by Rev. Ward. Rev. Ward during this pastorate. In 1950 a new edifice was erected at a cost of $11,000. In 1953 Rev. Dr. Hedgley became the 12th pastor of Rising Star. Under Dr. Hedgley’s leadership the interior of the church was renovated, all debt was paid and in 1957 the mortgage was burned. Upon his retirement in 1974, he left Rising Star debt free and over 100 members.

Our 13th leader was Rev. Robert Hairston. He continued to make renovations to both the interior and exterior of this church and added members. He added a new roof, new HVAC system, new audio system, carpeting and the north adjacent property was purchased. The church remained debt free. The 14th pastor of Rising Star was Rev. Douglas E. Summers from 1980-1987. The 15th pastor was Rev. L. Dwight Hash guided Rising Star from 1987 to 2003 adding 32 new members. Under his leadership updates to the sanctuary, choir stand, new bathrooms and baptismal pool and added a pastor’s study, a new kitchen and fellowship hall.  The new building was dedicated in 1991 and in 1994 we celebrated burning of the mortgage for the new additions. “Our God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think” — Ephesians 3:20. From 2003 to 2022, Rising Star 16th pastor, Rev. Gregory L. Hairston, guided us through wars, economic turbulence and a worldwide pandemic. Under his leadership additional compliments were added to the church, including a carport/picnic area, kitchen remodel, updates to the audio systems, security of the sanctuary and the establishment of a Rising Star scholarship fund for the youth of Rising Star.  The Rising Star church family continues to hold annual food and clothing give away, community fellowship with annual stew in the winter and hot dogs in Spring, Spring women’s conference, a Fall youth revival and missionary outreach to the Philippines. In March of 2023, Rising Star installed its 17th pastor, Rev. Dr. Jesse D. Jones, Jr. Today as we celebrate another church anniversary, we reflect on God’s glory for the great things He continues to do for us as a church body for without him we can do nothing. Revelation 12:11 says, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony”—a confirmation that there is power in the blood of Jesus. We are triumphant because of the blood. We will not be defeated. Jesus, who shed His blood on Calvary, has redeemed us from the hand of the enemy and given us authority through His sacrifice. We are victorious. Rejoice because the blood still works!