CHURCH HISTORY

God always has a plan. In 1920, Jerry and Elizbeth Staten held their first Bible study in their home along with other family members. It didn't take long for Brother Elisha Smith, formerly from Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, his brother James and other family members to see where God was working and join in. Heaven looked down in wonder observing this small community's love and dedication and pierced Sister Elizabeth Staten heart to bless the church with a parcel of land. On July 31, 1922, Brother Elisha Smith and other faithful followers laid the cornerstone for the church that would function as a safe haven, a guiding light in the darkness and spiritual refuge of anyone who entered. The members' vote to name the church Shining Star Baptist Church (SSBC) proved that God was in the details. Elisha Smith became the first pastor of SSBC from 1922-1929. He was succeeded by William Jordan in 1930, who pastored for eight years. In 1939, the church installed James Garfield Redd as pastor.

Pastor Redd's had a vision of building a new and permanent home for Shining Star Baptist Church. It had been eighteen years of the church moving from location to location. What began as a burden became a godly conviction - and through it, Shining Star Baptist Church was built, standing firmly on Eastern Avenue in Middle River, Maryland. On November 16,1959 Pastor Redd officially performed the dedication ceremony. In 1966, SSBC was set on fire. But with God's blessed hand and much prayer the church was restored. In March 1967, the church was able to pay off the mortgage in 8 years. Shining Star Baptist Church continues to stand as a saving station for all. In 1985, Pastor James Garfield Redd went home to be with the Lord.

After serving as the Assistant Pastor for six years, in 1985 James Mitchell Johnson was voted in as the Pastor of SSBC. Pastor Johnson was a faithful servant of God. His favorite songs, "Life Is Like A Mountain Railroad' and "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less" were demonstrated in his life's walk. Through his leadership the church grew not only in number but also spiritually. Under his guidance the church had six associated ministers, sixteen deacons, and twenty-three ministries. He lived by the theme, "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand." His commitment to SSBC being a missions focused church resulted in missionary work being supported domestically as well as in India, Europe and Africa. For twenty plus years, the church has sent missionaries from SSBC to Ghana, West Africa.

In early 2015, Pastor Johnson's health started to decline as a result he retired after thirty years of service. He faithfully served SSBC from 1985-2015. In recognition of his legacy, leadership, and godly impact he was bestowed the honor of Pastor Emeritus.

Pastor Emeritus Johnson passed the torch to Assistant Pastor Curtis T. Barber, one of his spiritual sons. The Shining Star members agreed and also selected him for his loyalty and dedication to Jesus Christ as well as the saints of Shining Star. In December 2017, Pastor James Mitchell Johnson's (1942-2017) mission was complete and he went home to be with the Lord.

On Friday, March 20,2015, Assistant Pastor Curtis T. Barber was installed as the Pastor of Shining Star Baptist Church of Middle River. Pastor Barber's life scripture "I beseech you therefore.... present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.... do not be conformed to this world...." (Romans 12:1-2), With a heart for the lost, Pastor Barber has continued to focus not only on home missions but also reaching the lost in foreign lands. Under his leadership the church has twenty-four ministries, four clergy, and eleven deacons. Pastor Barber leads the Shining Star Baptist Church as he celebrates his 10th Pastoral Anniversary and the Church's 105th Anniversary. Both are a major milestone in the church and community of Middle River, Maryland.