Grace Baptist Church was formed as a New Testament church in Adel Iowa on September 10, 1953, with twelve charter members. The pastor was Elwin Colson. He served as pastor from the formation of the church until the effective date of his resignation, August 24, 1958. At least twenty-eight people were baptized in those five years he spent at the church.

At the time of his resignation, the church called Jerry Leonard to pastor starting on August 24, 1958. Pastor Jerry Leonard resigned on October 27, 1960 to serve the Lord in missions. There were six baptisms in his two years there.

When Jerry Leonard left, the church called Wayne Easter to be their new pastor. He served from Pastor Leonard’s leaving until June 23, 1963. At least five people were baptized under his ministry.

Pastor Smith served from June 23, 1963 until early in 1968. It is unclear exactly when he left.

Sometime in 1968, Dennis Hickman was called as pastor. He served from 1968 until sometime in the early 1970s.

From 1970 to 1972, several significant events occurred. First, Grace Baptist Church changed its name to Rapids Street Baptist Church. Second, during this time Dennis Hickman left, and Dean Hall was called as the new pastor. Dean Hall did not serve for much time, as the church had called David Board to be pastor by the end of 1972.

Pastor Board served for less than a year, resigning effective September 21, 1973.

Pastor Smith was called as pastor on October 21, 1973. He resigned in 1975.

Pastor Gary Falk accepted the call as pastor of Rapids Street Baptist Church on April 4, 1976. He read his letter of resignation on September 10, 1978.

Pastor George St. Lawrence was called as pastor on January 31, 1979. It was under Pastor St. Lawrence that the church auditorium was built and finished, being dedicated on Labor Day weekend of 1983, the church’s 30th anniversary. However, Pastor St. Lawrence had heart surgery the following month. After several days in the hospital, the Lord called him home on October 25, 1983. The clerk wrote, “It was a very sad time for us at the church and his beloved wife Martha, but we know our heavenly Father knows best.”

The church was without a pastor until March of 1984, when Gary Moore was called. Pastor Moore served until August of 1989.

In November of 1989, Pastor Stultz was extended a call to pastor. He pastored from that time until August 22, 1999, serving for almost a decade.

In March of 2000, Jeff Duffy was called as pastor of Rapids Street Baptist Church. He continued as pastor until 2012.

The church got by on interims and pulpit supply for a number of years, notably having Dr. Bob Domokos serve as interim for a couple years.

In May of 2018, the church called Steve Picray to be their pastor. He served until January of 2023.

Pastor Kevin Subra was called to be the interim pastor from January of 2023 until June of 2024. Under his ministry, Rapids Street Baptist Church changed its name to SonRise Baptist Church. 

David Chambers was ordained and called to SonRise Baptist Church’s pastor in July 2024.