Our History

Early Years

Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church was organized on August 29, 1963, in the home of Reverend George T. Brinkley at 2621 Hudson Street, Denver, Colorado. The members present at that initial meeting were Reverend and Sister George Brinkley and family, Reverend and Sister J. W. Slone, and Sister Mildred Charleston. The congregation grew to ten members within 30 days. Pastor Brinkley then moved the church to his converted garage at 37th and Marion Street. They remained there for approximately nine months. During that time, the church purchased their first building at 1618 East 38th Avenue. Pastor Brinkley served for 8 years, and on May 27, 1970, he resigned and accepted a pastorate in Tucson, Arizona. Rising Star then called Reverend W. L. Robinson, who served for one year.

In 1971, the church called Reverend Alexander Riley, who served as pastor until 1978. Reverend George T. Brinkley was recalled to serve a second term as pastor. He was installed on March 18 1979. In August 1979, five months after his installation, Rising Star, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, purchased 1596 South Dayton Street.

At this new location on Dayton Street, Pastor Brinkley and the members were excited about their new home. Inspired by the property’s surrounding acres, they decided to make good use of it, and under the leadership of Deacon L. Abrams, the church and the community were fed from the beautiful church garden. Pastor Brinkley envisioned that one day a Daycare Center and Senior Citizen Facility would be built on the property. On October 1, 1985, the Lord called Pastor Brinkley home from labor to reward. The church members, like Christ’s disciples at His Ascension, continued on to be ever steadfast in prayer and on one accord. Reverend Martin Malone was elected to serve as minister-in-charge until such time the Lord would send another Shepherd.

September 7, 1986, Rising Star called that new Shepherd, Jules E. Smith. Pastor Smith was installed as pastor on November 1, 1986 (celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in October). In Pastor Smith’s first year, the church grew by 466% from 33 to 154 members. There was renewal at Rising Star! Five new Deacons and Deaconesses were installed, the sanctuary was painted, and the pastor’s study was remodeled. The church Newsletter was instituted and the Youth Involvement Program (Y.I.P) was organized.

Church Expansion and Community Transition

June 5, 1988, the initial mortgage of $230,000 was retired. A new 50-space parking lot, lawn, sanctuary carpeting, and lighting were installed and dedicated to the Lord’s service. On September 18, 1992, we acquired 2.2 additional acres.  We held a Gound-Breaking Ceremony on Easter Sunday, 1994. Our celebration included special guests Mayor Paul Tauer and Aurora Council Member Edna Mosley.  November 1995, we celebrated the retirement of a $243,000 bond program.

In April 1996, we consummated a $1 million loan. Phase I of our new facility was under construction, costing approximately $1.8 million. This phase consisted of 11,800 sq. ft. and included a Fellowship Hall, office space, classrooms, an executive conference room, a kitchen, prayer room, and a nursery. On Easter Sunday, March 30, 1997, we dedicated our new house and celebrated with a parade through the neighboring community.

March 2001, we began construction of Phase II. The second story of the church included 12 additional classrooms, a conference room, a library and an elevator. The additional space nearly doubled our church’s size and provided much needed space to secure and mature our ever-growing congregation. August 26, 2001, the church celebrated this phase with a Dedication Ceremony to the Lord God Almighty for His wondrous works and mighty acts in our favor.