“A bright star for all people to see”. That’s what Mrs. Nancy Holt wanted Morningstar Missionary Baptist Church to be. Morningstar Missionary Baptist Church stands here as a testament to faith and perseverance.
Morningstar Missionary Baptist Church began humbly in August 1917. It started as a mission. Rev. J. R. Davis led a small group. They rented a storefront. This was at the corner of West 28th and Detroit Avenue. Twelve people attended the first service. Mr. John Thornton and Mrs. Hattie Foster were among them. Mr. Sam Davis also joined.
In 1919, the mission became a church. It was located at 2402 Superior Avenue. Mrs. Nancy Holt gave the church its name. She wanted Morningstar to be a beacon.
A church house was purchased on Mulberry Street in 1924. Later, the government bought the property. It was for a housing project. In June 1925, a place of worship was rented on Detroit Avenue. Tragedy struck in July 1935. A bomb demolished the site. Only a Bible and a Baptist Hymnal survived. Services were then held with the Good Saints on Main Avenue. Rev. Stewart was the pastor at that time.
Rev. S. L. Cole was called as pastor on July 5, 1936. He became the 10th pastor of Morningstar Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Cole promised to lead them to a church home. In 1939, a house was purchased. It was at 2674 East 63rd at Beaver Street. The house was remodeled into a church.
The congregation grew in the late 1940s. They decided to purchase another site. In August 1950, they marched to 650 Parkwood Drive. The mortgage was burned on Parkwood Drive in November 1960. Rev. Solomon L. Cole retired in July 1976. He dedicated 40 years of service.
Rev. Earl Preston, Jr. became pastor in February 1977. His theme was “Making Our Neighborhood a Brotherhood”. In 1987, an outreach program began. It mentored young men in middle school.
In December 1997, Morningstar Missionary Baptist Church left Parkwood. They sought a new place of worship. The congregation temporarily resided at Glenville High School. Ministries grew during the three years there.
In December 2000, they moved to 10250 Shaker Blvd. Rev. Preston started several programs. These included the Hot Meals Program and the Rubye Walker Hunger Center. There was also the R.E.A.D. Literacy Program for adults. Additionally, there was a summer Children Lunch Program.
After 35 years, Dr. Earl Preston, Jr. retired in December 2012. Morningstar Missionary Baptist Church continues to shine. It is a testament to faith. It is a testament to community. It is a testament to service. It is a bright star indeed.