Listen to the story of Sonrise Baptist Church. What began as a small gathering has blossomed into a vibrant center. It is a place of faith, community, and service.
Sonrise Baptist Church’s purpose is clear. It is to love God and love people. Its mission is equally compelling. The church strives to live the truth. It desires to love the lost. Sonrise Baptist Church commits to making disciples regardless of the cost. The church’s vision is simple. It is to live together, love together, and learn together.
The church’s history reveals its commitment to these principles. The church started in 1989. A group departed from First Baptist Church of Bonne Terre. They sought a new path. Prayer meetings defined their early days. They met in homes. Leaders explored spaces for worship. A storefront in Bonneville Plaza became available. It offered a temporary haven.
On April 2, 1989, Sonrise Baptist Church held its first service. Seventy-five people attended. Twelve visitors joined them. Allen Francis led the music and delivered the message. Pearl Burr played the organ. Bob Price guided the service. Just a week later, a cross was erected. Charlie Burr built it. Eighty-four people attended. Twenty-one visitors were present. The church quickly organized. They elected a clerk. They affirmed their identity. They officially adopted the name Sonrise Baptist Church. Their motto was “A church with an open door and a loving spirit.” They affiliated with several Baptist associations.
Bro. Paul Pope became the interim pastor in May 1989. He later became the permanent pastor. The church addressed practical needs. They rented space for Sunday school. They considered buying a building. They developed a constitution. They filed incorporation papers. Sonrise Baptist Church prioritized missions. They allocated funds to the Cooperative Program. They supported the Mineral Area Baptist Association.
The congregation envisioned a permanent home. They acquired four acres on Highway 67. In February 1990, a sign declared, “Future home of Sonrise Baptist Church.” After two and a half years, the property was fully paid. The church planned its new building. Services continued in the storefront until April 1992. The congregation shared meals. They created memories.
Construction of the new building began in January 1992. Jamie Bess won the bid. Charlie Burr oversaw the work. He documented the progress. The last service in the storefront was emotional. The first service in the new building took place on April 5, 1992. Linda Burr painted the baptistery. Ron Petty crafted the prayer alters. He also made the Lord’s Supper table.
Ministry efforts expanded over the years. Sonrise Baptist Church actively serves its community. They host an annual Easter egg hunt. They organize Operation Share. This provides clothing and household items to those in need. They support the Ministerial Alliance. They host food distributions at Christmas. They also host quarterly blood drives.
Senior Pastor Christopher Thompson leads Sonrise Baptist Church today. He joined the church in 2009. He served as Associate Pastor. He became Senior Pastor in 2019. He holds a master’s degree in Christian Leadership.
Sonrise Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It shows dedication. It demonstrates service. Its history reflects a commitment to its purpose, mission, and vision.