In the spring of 1903, a small group of people met in each other's homes for prayer. After many religious services held from house to house, the small group of believers felt that the time had come for them to have a permanent place of worship.

I n the fall of 1903, the saints met in the home of Janie Bracey for prayer and Reverend R. B. Tillery of Norfolk , VA , was extended the call as the first pastor. It was in the home of Sister Bracey that a council of Baptist pastors organized Rose of Sharon Baptist Church.

In 1990, the church relocated after the City of Norfolk purchased its property to expand the campus of Old Dominion University , from 1215 W. 43 rd Street , Norfolk , to its present location at 3001A Indian River Road , Chesapeake . The new name was voted upon in 2005.

Since its formation, there have been fourteen pastors of the church, which include: Reverend R.B. Tillery, Reverend Goodman, Reverend Washington, Reverend W.F. Hill, Reverend Booner, Reverend Isaac W. Garrison, Reverend H.A. Minor, Reverend Willis F. Evans, Reverend William C. Butts, Reverend C. J. Clifford, Reverend Lee. R. Jefferson, Reverend Hiram G. White, Jr., Reverend Spencer Happoldt, and Reverend James Edwards, III.

The current pastor, Reverend James Edwards, III, was installed in September 1993, and has served faithfully throughout his entire term. He is the father of three adult daughters and five grandchildren. His wife, Dee, and second oldest daughter, Donita, both serve as associate ministers at the church. Pastor Edwards graduated from Norfolk State University in Norfolk , Va. , with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1969, and from Virginia Union University School of Theology with a Master of Divinity Degree in 1988. Among other achievements, he also served three years in the United States Army, rising from Second Lieutenant to Captain.

While at the New Rose of Sharon, Pastor Edwards coined the phrase, “Roses and Stems” as a loving gesture to address the membership of the Rose of Sharon. The Lord inspired him to begin using the adjective NEW in front of the church's name, thus it became New Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist. Since that time, the Lord has given him a revelation that this is “A New Church in an Old Building.”

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