Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and expand my territory, and that Your hand will be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that I may not cause any pain.” And God granted Jabez his request. – 1 Chronicles 4:10

Our Roots:

In 1955, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Charles E. Kirby set out on a mission toward a vision that was placed in his heart by God. Although Southern Baptist Church was the sponsoring church, the foundation began with Jewell Benton and Russell Benton, who were borrowed members from Von Spiegel Baptist Church, along with Jannie Baker. While Russell returned to Von Spiegel, Jewell Benton remained at Southern Star. This small group met briefly at the Quartet Union Hall located at 420 South Seventh Street, where Rev. Kirby paid five dollars a Sunday for rent. Their offering was small; the group would only collect one or two dollars each week. Rev. Kirby and Mrs. Doris Kirby, however, would make up the difference toward the five dollars. The mission lasted for one year.

The mission then moved to 723 West Oak Street, where the church was formerly organized as the Southern Star Baptist Church on June 3, 1956. The church stayed at this location for almost two years. Through Pastor Kirby’s leadership, with God’s message in his heart, the membership increased, and the church relocated to 1700 Prentice Street. After a brief period, with a membership of 34, God blessed the members with their first dedicated church building located at 1509 Magazine Street, renting it for $25.00 per week from Rev. Gunn. Southern Star rented the Magazine Street facility for six months; however, the church wanted to grow. Rev. Gunn later acquired the church and sold it to Rev. Kirby for $25,000.

The church remained at the Magazine Street address until a blessing occurred and our current location became available. At the time, the cost of $120,000 seemed enormous. Although another church was interested in the property and had made the first bid, God allowed Rev. Kirby to receive the loan, along with $9,000 that had been saved; and with God’s grace, the property was obtained for $80,000.

Southern Star moved to 2304 Algonquin Parkway (our current location) in 1968. Many renovations have been made and additional properties purchased; and in 2003, the C. E. Kirby Multipurpose Center was erected. Through the years, Southern Star has continued to follow the mandates of the Great Commission through the making of disciples and the empowering of those disciples to reach and teach others. God has continued to bless Southern Star because of her faithful commitment to the Lord. As we move into another century, let our constant prayer remain that we will faithfully follow the Lord.

Pastors and Ministers of the Church:
From 1955 to the present, two pastors and six ministers served the young congregation. Each of the pastors and ministers served their time well and left a rich heritage. Many souls were saved, and the congregation moved steadily over and upward, building on the foundation of faith, devotion to Christ, and spiritual growth that was so carefully laid by each generation. Rev. Charles E. Kirby was the founder and first pastor. The pastor that succeeded Rev. Kirby is our current pastor, Rev. Dr. Barry C. Johnson, Sr.

Our current Associate Minister is Rev. Darryl Farris. We are currently in the process of researching our former Associate Ministers. Some of them were Rev. Stephan Kirby, Rev. Forrest Brooks, Rev. Bobby Jackson, Rev. John Malone, Rev. John Harris, and Rev. Ahmaad Edmund.

Deacons of the Church:
Many Deacons have faithfully served through the years. These stewards of God have passed on an everlasting foundation and legacy. We are currently in the process of researching the Deacon Alumni. Deacons that have previously served are Bro. Anthony Frazier, Bro. Harold Lismon, Bro. Oliver Ingram, Bro. Richard Brasher, Bro. Clarence Beasley, Bro. Lamar Sears, Bro. Howard Best, Bro. Alonzo Palmer, Bro. Louis Boone, Bro. Jewell Benton, Bro. Samuel Anderson, Bro. Tommy Horton, Bro. Nathaniel Shanklin, Bro. Herman Hayden, Bro. Herman Dozier, Bro. Franklin Murrell, Bro. Julius Cushenberry, Bro. Douglas Pillow, Bro. Earl Carrouthers, Bro. Alonzo Matchen, Bro. Coleman Lauderdale, Bro. Jesse Baldwin, Bro. Charles Brown, Sr., Bro. William Burris, Bro James Clardy, Bro. Chester Clark, Bro. Ollie Green, Sr., Rev. Elmer Greer, Bro. Lester Homes, Bro. Will King, Bro. Carter Martin, Bro. Vester Martin, Rev. Howard McFadden, Bro. Tevis Miller, Bro. Denver Moore, Bro. Eugene Mudd, Bro. Calvin Murray, Bro. Franklin Murrell, Bro. Harrison Sloan, Bro. Lester Studivant, Rev. John Thomas, Bro. Robert Thomas, Bro. Samuel Watkins, Bro. James Williams, Bro. Bennie Wilson, Rev. Jeremiah Wilson, Bro. Milton Parker, Bro. Thomas Allen, and Bro. Dennis Williams. Our current deacons are Bro. James Binford, Bro. Calvin Augustine, Bro. Walter Duncan, Bro. Andrew Young, Bro. Hilret Taylor, Bro. Corey Binford, Bro. Donald Norris, Bro. Jarvis Binford, Bro. Charles Brown, Bro. John Clemons, and Bro. Nelson Taylor, Sr.