The Rose of Sharon Baptist Church had its humble beginning on March 3, 1908, when 65 people met in Butler Hall on Lee Street to worship. On April 26, 1908, Reverend James Wesley White, a young minister from Avoyelles Parish, was invited to come and preach for worship services. Being so impressed with this young minister, on May 14, 1908, the group chose Reverend James Wesley White to become their pastor.

Thus, the organization began with the appointment of seven (7) deacons, seven (7) deaconesses, and the election of nine (9) trustees.

Later, during 1908, realizing the need for a permanent place of worship, a lot and building on the corner of 10th and St. James Streets was purchased but unfortunately was destroyed by fire in 1911. Not to be deterred, another building was constructed immediately thereafter

Rev. J. W. White

Under the leadership of Reverend J. W. White, the church prospered and grew to approximately 400 members with active auxiliaries to implement the church's programs. Some of the auxiliaries were Boards of Deacons, Deaconesses, and Trustees, Junior and Sanctuary Choirs, Women's Missionary Society and its auxiliaries, Young Women's Junior Church, Board of Christian Education, Boy Scouts of America, and the Pastor's Aid Society..

Rev. W. A. White

On March 20, 1947, Reverend J. W. White passed from labor to reward and shortly thereafter, the church elected Reverend Willie Augustus White, a son of Reverend J. W. White, to serve as pastor.

Under the leadership of Reverend W. A. White, major renovations to the church were made and property adjacent to the church was purchased. In addition, more auxiliaries were established to carry out the church's programs that included the Brotherhood and Tots Choirs, the Coffee Hour Fellowship and the addition of a library.

Rose of Sharon began its involvement and played a major role in the Eighth District Missionary Baptist Association, the Louisiana Missionary Baptist State Convention, and the National Baptist Convention, United States of America.

After years of hope and prayerful planning, a building committee was selected and later, presented plans for a new church. On July 12, 1959, groundbreaking ceremonies were held and approximately 11 months later, on June 12, 1960, the new church, as it stands today, was dedicated. The cost of construction was $175,000.00; the mortgage note was burned on June 12, 1966.

Later, another parcel of property was purchased and designated as the parking lot for the membership. With this parcel, the property owned by Rose of Sharon extended from St. James to Winn Streets.

With the passing of time and improved transportation, Interstate 49 became a reality and transformed the physical environment surrounding the church. Yet, the physical plant was undaunted. The vision of Reverend W. A. White and the congregation was to expand as the church grew and the goal was accomplished.

On Sunday, November 30, 1997, after fifty-plus years of continuous service, Reverend W. A. White requested retirement, effective immediately. During the interim period of searching for a pastor, Rose of Sharon remained administratively and spiritually strong. Each member was asked to pray fervently for God to send us a spirit-filled pastor.

After 12 months of searching, God answered our prayers and sent Reverend Larry Douglas Smith, Associate Minister at Shiloh Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, LA. He was overwhelmingly elected pastor by the Board of Trustees and the congregation on Saturday, February 12, 2000, and was installed on March 12, 2000, as the third (3rd) Pastor, to continue the progress of the church.

Under the leadership of Pastor Smith, many added, reorganized, and improved ministries and programs experienced tremendous increase. This also led to congregational growth, attendance, and community involvement. Among the added ministries were: Senior Day Camp, Christian Men's Federation, New Member Ministry, Liturgical Dance and Mimes Ministry, Ministry of Christian Education, Mass Choir, Rose of Sharon Development Corporation, Historical Pictorial Collage, Church Directory, Visitor's Brochure, Family and Friends Day, a Church website, and a computer lab. Through the institution of Grand Rally and the increase in tithes and offerings, physical improvements and renovations, property, equipment, and vehicles were acquired. Previously existing ministries also improved.

Being a dynamic and progressive leader, Pastor Smith made it possible for the church to do wonderful things as he continued to build and re-structure programs.

On Sunday, February 21, 2020, after 20 years of serving as Pastor of Rose of Sharon, Reverend Smith announced he would be retiring, effective August 31, 2020. During this Pastoral transition, each member was again asked to pray for a Shepard after God's own heart.

After 15 months of searching, God answered our prayers and sent Reverend Rodney H. Lonix, Sr. of Pineville, LA. He was elected pastor by the congregation, and was installed on November 6, 2021, as the fourth (4th) Pastor of Rose of Sharon. However, after 13 months as Pastor, Reverend Lonix delivered his last sermon on December 25, 2022.

Once again, Rose of Sharon was without a pastor and each member was again asked to pray fervently for God to send us a spirit-filled pastor. After an 11-month diligent search, the church overwhelmingly elected Reverend Carl Owens, who was installed on November 11, 2023, as the fifth (5th) Pastor of Rose of Sharon to continue the progress of the church.

As one can see, Rose of Sharon is unique among many churches in that during the many years of existence, it is equally distinctive that Rose of Sharon has continued to make phenomenal growth.

Thus, as we reflect upon our history, we want to show respect and say thanks to all for their sincere determination and dedication in putting forth a unified effort to fulfill the vision for the future of this great church.

So, we rejoice and give praise to God for His bountiful blessings for Rose of Sharon's many years of existence. It is our charge to continue to stand and build on God's solid foundation. It is for us to continue to fulfill this church's mission "To preach, teach, worship, and evangelize; while providing a place of fellowship with a focus on equipping believers for the service of God and humanity." We must continue to work and run on; for we know that "the race isn't given to the swift, but to those who endure to the end". "God, our Help in ages past, is our Hope for years to come".