Rose of Sharon History

On February 2, 1942, Dr. D. L. Penn established the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church in his residence, where services continued until 1945. Rev. Penn was well-regarded in the Fourth Ward community for his impressive presence and deep understanding of the Bible. 1961, Rev. D. L. Penn was called home to glory, leaving a void in the church, but his spirit lives on as we continue to "stand on his shoulders," expressing gratitude God's countless blessings and mercies.

Our second pastor was Rev. R. A. Williams, who led the Fourth Ward Community from 1961 to 1972. Renowned as an educator and organizer, Rev. Williams served "The Rose" during significant events such as the construction of Houston's Astrodome (the eighth wonder of the world), the first manned moon landing by NASA, the development of Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport, and the onset of the historic Civil Rights Movements.

Mack Deal, our third pastor, joined Rose of Sharon Baptist Church during the tenure of. R. A. Williams, the church's second pastor. While attending, Rev. Deal felt called to preach the uncompromised Gospel. He received his License of Certificate on March 6, 1966, a day that remains cherished in the church's history, as it was a joy and honor for him to learn from such a spirit-filled preacher. Under Rev. Williams' guidance, God called Rev. Deal serve as the church's next pastor on June 11, 1972

Lloyd H. Crosby, the fourth pastor of Rose of Sharon since January 9, continued to advance the church just as Rev. Deal, Rev. Williams, and Rev. Penn had before him. Known for his dedicated efforts in supporting both the congregation and the community, Rev. Crosby left a lasting impression. The congregation, members, and community cherish their memories of church events and activities during his leadership. Outdoor gatherings, along with the popular fried chicken and fish dinners, not only nourished their bodies also uplifted their spirits with the Word of God.

Dr. Elmo Johnson, the 5th pastor of Rose of Sharon Baptist Church in inner-city Houston, engages with neighbors on the street. While Johnson humbly rejects any personal credit for the transformation that has taken place in Houston’s 4th Ward since he arrived as pastor over 40 years ago, he is eager to give God the glory for the changes. Several suburban churches support the Rose of Sharon congregation by sending volunteers and providing financial assistance for its community ministries.