The rich and humble historical beginnings of Morning Star Baptist Church started in 1898, in the old Samaritan Hall, on 8th and Hull Street, in Richmond Virginia. It developed from a mission Sunday School which was conducted by the Second Baptist Church in the home of Nero Dowden, and Mrs. Betty Dowden began a fireside Bible class. The prayer meeting quickly evolved into a Mission with Rev. Jerry Miles as the Mission Preacher, preaching to a small group of migrated Carolinians and Richmonders. Later a recognition council was called, and the mission was set apart as a bonafide Baptist Church called Missionary Baptist Church in 1906. The name “Morning Star” was offered by the Rev. J.S. Clayborne, Interim Pastor at the time, and accepted by all of its members. Thus, beginning the history of Morning Star Baptist Church. Under the leadership of Rev.T.W. Smith, the members became landowners for the first time and erected the building 317 East Fifth Street where they worshipped until moving to 1201 Decatur Street in 1951. In September 1955, Dr. Chavis became the supply Pastor and was ordained Pastor of Morning Star on March 23, 1956. Continued growth necessitated a move to a larger building. The first Sunday in September1976 was “Marching in Day, 200 members joined in the march from 1201 Decatur Street to the present location at 3509 Midlothian Turnpike. On July 3, 1983, Rev Lois Newell became the first woman in the history of Morning Star to become licensed to preach. The first women deacons to be ordained were: Sister Lucy Dawkins, January 18, 1986: Sister Christine Person November 22, 1986 and Sister Mildred Heckstall May 22, 1993. On January 1, 1999, Deacon Lucy Dawkins became the first female Chairman of the Board of Deacons. After the passing of Dr. D.C. Chavis, Rev.Lois Newell served faithfully as Sanctuary Minister until Dr. Edward D. McCreary Jr. came to serve as Interim Minister in February 1993. On the first Sunday in February 1993, Dr. Edward McCreary Jr. , began his tenure as Interim Pastor until March 1996 at which time Dr. Jimmy McCrary Jr was installed as Pastor. In February 2004 until march 2005, Dr. Grady W. Powell, Pastor Emeritus of Gillfield Baptist Church of Petersburg, Virginia came to serve as Interim Pastor.

We are grateful for the rich foundational leadership from 1898 to April 2006. We continue to be blessed under the anoitned man of God, Bishop Tyrell O. Brown, Dmin, consecrated to the the office of Bishop, by Bishop Charles H. Ellis III in 2019. In July 2024 Dr. Brown was appointed as President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention of Virginia Fellowship.'

Morning Star Baptist Church remains a beacon of light and safe haven in our African American Community on the south side of Richmond, Virginia.