Something truly remarkable happened here in August 1917. Morning Star Baptist Church began as a small mission. It started in a rented storefront. The location was on the corner of West 28th and Detroit Avenue.
Twelve people attended the first service. Rev. J. R. Davis led this group. All twelve joined the mission. These included Mr. John Thornton, Mrs. Hattie Foster, and Mr. Sam Davis.
In 1919, the mission became a church. Its location was 2402 Superior Avenue. Mrs. Nancy Holt gave Morning Star its name. She wanted it to be a bright star for all to see.
In 1924, Morning Star Baptist Church bought a building on Mulberry Street. Later, the government purchased the property. It was for a housing project. In June 1925, they rented a place of worship on Detroit Avenue. Tragedy struck on the fourth Sunday in July 1935. A bomb destroyed the site. Only a Bible and a Baptist Hymnal survived. Following this disaster, services took place with the Good Saints on Main Avenue. Rev. Stewart was the pastor then. After he left, the pulpit stayed empty for six months. A few members tried to keep things going.
On July 5, 1936, Rev. S. L. Cole became pastor. He was the tenth pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church. He started services in a storefront at 2226 Franklin Avenue. Rev. Cole promised to lead them to a permanent church home.
In 1939, they bought a house at 2674 East 63rd at Beaver Street. They remodeled it into a church. As the congregation grew in 1949, they decided to buy another site.
The members acquired property at 650 Parkwood Drive. They marched there on the first Sunday in August 1950. The mortgage was paid off on Parkwood Drive on November 27, 1960. Rev. Solomon L. Cole retired on July 11, 1976. He had served for 40 years.
Rev. Earl Preston, Jr., became pastor on January 22, 1977. His theme was “Making Our Neighborhood a Brotherhood”. In 1987, they started an outreach program. It assisted young men in middle school. This program mentored 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. They learned good sportsmanship. They also developed skills for manhood. Rev. Preston created outreach ministries to meet community needs.
On December 28, 1997, under Pastor Preston’s leadership. Morning Star Baptist Church members left their Parkwood home. They sought a new place of worship. After selling the Parkwood property, they met at Glenville High School. During those three years, their ministries and families grew.
Pastor Preston led the congregation to 10250 Shaker Blvd. on December 17, 2000. His vision never wavered. He started the Hot Meals Program. He also initiated the Rubye Walker Hunger Center. Other programs included the R.E.A.D. Literacy Program for adults and the WSEM Program for middle schoolers. The Toy Give-A-Way partnered with the Cleveland Police Department’s Cops, Kids and Christmas. A summer Children Lunch Program was also established.
After 35 years of service, Dr. Earl Preston, Jr., retired on December 31, 2012. His dedication touched the church. It also touched many people across the nation. The Morning Star Baptist Church’s story is one of resilience. It is a story of community. It is a story of unwavering faith.