Twelve souls gathered. That was the humble beginning of First Morning Star Baptist Church. It was August 1917. They rented a small storefront. It was on the corner of West 28th and Detroit Avenue. Reverend J R Davis led the first service. All twelve joined the mission. Among them were John Thornton Hattie Foster and Sam Davis.
First Morning Star Baptist Church wasn’t just a building. It was a beacon of hope. It was a sanctuary for a small but dedicated group. They sought spiritual guidance. They desired a place to worship. Their faith was their strength. They persevered through hardships.
The mission became a church in 1919. It moved to 2402 Superior Avenue. Mrs Nancy Holt gave the church its name. She wanted it to shine brightly. She wanted it to be a guiding star for all. The name reflected their aspirations. It represented their desire for spiritual growth.
In 1924 they purchased a church house. It was on Mulberry Street. Sadly the government took it for a housing project. The congregation was resilient. They rented a new space on Detroit Avenue in 1925. A devastating event struck in 1935. A bomb destroyed their worship space. Everything was lost except a Bible and a hymnal. Services continued with the Good Saints on Main Avenue.
Reverend S L Cole became pastor in 1936. He led them to a new home. A house was bought and remodeled at 2674 East 63rd and Beaver Street. The congregation grew. In 1950 they moved again. This time to 650 Parkwood Drive. The mortgage was paid off in 1960. A major milestone occurred in 1976. Reverend Cole retired after 40 years of service.
Reverend Earl Preston Jr took over in 1977. His theme was ‘Making Our Neighborhood a Brotherhood’. Outreach programs flourished. Young men received mentorship. The church addressed community needs. In 1997 First Morning Star Baptist Church left Parkwood Drive. They sought a new worship space. Glenville High School provided temporary housing. Their ministries continued to grow.
Finally in 2000 they moved to 10250 Shaker Boulevard. Under Pastor Preston’s leadership new programs thrived. There was a Hot Meals Program and a literacy program. There were programs for children. Pastor Preston retired in 2012 after 35 years. His legacy lives on. First Morning Star Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community. It is a place of worship and service. It continues to serve its community. It is a shining example of hope.