King Star continues 100th anniversary celebration

King Star Baptist Church is a familiar Kingsville landmark. King Star Baptist Church is continuing its centennial celebration with two events planned in the upcoming weeks.

Celebration of the church’s centennial began last fall.

A prayer breakfast was held March 6, and a 100th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting ceremony and Homecoming Gospel Musical presentation will be held Saturday, March 20 beginning at 4 p.m. at the church, which is located at 605 S. Martin Luther King Jr. St.

The 100th Church Anniversary and Homecoming Celebration will he held at the church on Sunday, March 28 at 3 p.m.

Friendship Community Baptist Church from Austin will be the guest church in attendance with Pastor Gary D. Brown officiating.

Immediately following the service, a dinner reception will be held at the Texas A&M University Kingsville Ballroom.

The church was formed in the early 1900s when religious activities for African Americans in the area, many of whom arrived as employees of railroad companies, were conducted at a mission station, reportedly located under a mesquite tree.

The Rev. William Green, a missionary for the Mount Zion Baptist Association, made frequent visits to deliver sermons at the site.

In 1908, trustees for the Mount Zion Baptist Association purchased a plot of land for $265 and a building was erected to house services.

On Easter Sunday, April 17, 1910, nine charter members officially formed the King Star Missionary Baptist Church, the first church for African Americans in Kingsville.

The Rev. R.B. Shiner was called as first pastor. The Rev. Earl Jackson is the long-time current pastor.

The church building was used as a school facility for the first African American children’s classes in the Kingsville Independent School District during segregation.

The public is invited to attend all programs during the Centennial Celebration of the church’s 100th year anniversary. For tickets and more information call (361) 675-0200.