OUR PASTOR
Rev. Dr. Robert Lincoln. Elliott, Jr. is a native and currently resides in Claremont, located in Surry County, Virginia. Having four sisters, he is the only son born to the late Deaconess Dolly Elliott and the late Deacon Robert L. Elliott, Sr. After attending and graduating from Surry County Public Schools, he attended Norfolk State University before joining the United States Air Force. For four years while in the Air Force, he worked diligently with the Military Police Unit. That was where God taught him tolerance for all people in all circumstances.
Returning to civilian life, he joined the Prince George County Police Department where he remained for thirteen years, ending his service as a detective and the unofficial chaplain for the department. Pastor Elliott knew soon after God had a higher calling for him.
As a child of God and an anointed "leader of the flock", Pastor Elliott took the helm at Morning Star Baptist Church in 2001 - the church where he was baptized, where he was ordained as a deacon in 1988, where he was licensed as a minister in 1991, and where his family still actively attend. Being born into a musically gifted family, he truly believes that we should "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" and will often begin or end his sermons with a soulful musical offering.
Pastor Elliott's growth at Morning Star Baptist Church with the late Rev. Dr. E. L. Fleming as his pastor peaked when the Lord said, "Son, you are now ready" and God presented His choice for a messenger to the people in August 1991. Pastor Elliott grew under the functioning of the Holy Spirit and God sent him to the Union Baptist Church in Spring Grove, Virginia to lead His people. In February 1995, Pastor Elliott was ordained and served as the pastor of the Union Baptist Church for seven years.
Pastor Elliott continued his matriculation in the realms of Theology at the Richmond Virginia Seminary. In 1997, he received his Bachelor's degree from the Seminary. He has always believed in the power of prayer and possessed a strong desire to devote all of his time to doing the work of the Lord. He prayed and asked God to make a way. In March 2001, God answered his prayer and he was officially installed as the proud pastor of the Morning Star Baptist Church. In May of 2003, he became the recipient of a Master of Divinity degree and just three years later, on May 1, 2006, Rev. Elliott became the recipient of a earned Doctorate degree in Ministry from his alma mater.
Pastor Elliott is the husband of Deaconess Jacqueline Whitley Elliott, and the father of Robert III and his daughter, the late Tavonne Sade’. Through God's spiritual guidance, Pastor Elliott instilled the vision of building a new sanctuary where current and prospective members can come together to praise and worship. In December 2008, the vision became a reality and the doors to the new sanctuary were opened to all.
Under his guidance as the spiritual shepherd for his Morning Star Family, Pastor Elliott has led his flock to greater heights and a better understanding of the infinite wisdom, mercies and goodness of God through His Word. His mission in life is to fulfill his vow to lead others to Christ and give God the best of his service.