RSFBC History & Legacy

Can these bones live? Ezekiel 37:3

It was 1984. Noted theologian and civil rights leader, the Reverend Dr. Emmett C. Burns, Jr., his wife Earlean Poe Burns, their three sons and five courageous Christian women prayerfully decided to organize a church in Baltimore County. With the first meetings held in the Burns’ home, Rising Sun First Baptist Church (RSFBC) was born.

RSFBC held its first public worship service at Campfield Elementary School on March 4, 1984. Pastor Burns’ sermon asked the question “Can These Bones Live?” Today, the answer is evident. Since our earliest days, RSFBC has experienced extraordinary spiritual growth and community impact.

For the people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4:6

In the years that followed, our membership grew and we committed to building a new church home at our current site on 2211 St. Lukes Lane. Following a celebratory groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremony, the new RSFBC church edifice emerged. The late Reverend Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, former NAACP Executive Director and Pastor Emeritus of the Greater New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, delivered the dedication message.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations. Matthew 28:19

For over 37 years, RSFBC has stood for hope and change. From transformative worship, biblical study and social justice to music ministries, family, senior, children, youth, and young adult activities as well as servant leadership that goes beyond church walls, RSFBC is faith in action. Global dignitaries to Baltimoreans of every walk of life are at home at Rising Sun.

On April 22, 2018, following a unanimous church endorsement, Senior Pastor Emmett C. Burns, Jr. officially passed the torch to the Pastor Engel Dawson Burns.