Reverend H. C. Rockmore, Sr., is a native of Longview (Gregg County), Texas.  He attended Longview Public Schools and graduated from Mary C. Womack High School.  He continued his studies at Wiley College located in Marshall, Texas; where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration. While at Wiley he was inducted into the OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC., who honored him as "MAN OF THE YEAR" in 1979.

 

     In 1974, Reverend Rockmore was employed by Southwest area and Sun Pipe Line where he perfected his technical skills as an administrative assistant, purchasing and materials coordinator, cost accountant and business manager.

 

     He was ordained as a deacon at Galilee Baptist Church in Longview, Texas and served as the church's financial coordinator, an avid Sunday School Teacher, and started the first pastor's aide group.  Reverend Rockmore began his ministry in 1980 and was called to the pastorage of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Hallsville, Texas in 1981.  In 1987, he was elected pastor of Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church, where he has faithfully preached the word of God to a congregation that has grown spiritually, financially, and numerically.

 

     Ministries have been established to benefit all ages:  Homebound for the sick and shut-ins, Recognition/Reception for retired black educators.  Black History Celebration giving special honor to our own pioneers and trailblazers who have so diligently laid the foundation for us to follow.  In 2015 Generation XYZ began a ministry to reach out to the millennium age group.

 

     The preaching ministry has continued to be a testament of our membership’s dedication to sharing the faith and Christian service.  During Reverend Rockmore’s tenure nine (9) laymen have been licensed to preach, four have been ordained and eight (8) have been ordained as deacons.

 

     Under Pastor Rockmore's leadership, the church continues to be consistent in sharing in services of the district through participation and contributions to the East Texas Baptist/ Longview District Association, Texas Educational Baptist State Convention, Baptist General Convention of Texas, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., Gregg Baptist Association, Southward Elementary School, Foster Middle School, Habitat for Humanity and Community Outreach.  The church’s service and mission work has had a significant impact on the community and the regions.

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     Reverend Rockmore has the support of his lovely wife, Jean Evelyn, four beautiful children, and seven adorable grandchildren.