We hope that the pages of AnyoneCanAchieve.com are filled with inspiration. Inspiration has long been a defining characteristic of Pastor Bruce Rose’s ministry. He has faithfully served his parishioners at Second Baptist Church, and his ministry has also reached throughout the Bloomington community, across Indiana, and beyond. We know this from the many tributes Dr. Rose received upon his 20th anniversary at Second Baptist.
We thank Reverend Rose for his faithful service and are pleased to honor him with this post, which reprints his biography from that special 20th anniversary celebration.
Rev. Dr. Bruce R. Rose
Rev. Dr. Bruce R. Rose is a native of Terre Haute, Indiana, and the eleventh child of Nathaniel R. and Anna L. Rose. He attended public schools in Terre Haute and later served a four-year tour of duty with the United States Marine Corps, which included assignments in California, Okinawa, and North Carolina.
After his military career, he attended and graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Business. He later earned a Master of Science degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, where he was selected as the outstanding professional in his program. Dr. Rose went on to complete his Doctor of Ministry degree at Faith Seminary in Tacoma, Washington.
Dr. Rose began his professional career with Sears, Roebuck and Company in Rockford, Illinois. He later joined the electric utility industry, serving in various customer service management roles across Indiana and Ohio. He became General Manager of Diversity Performance at Cinergy Corp. (now Duke Energy) and was subsequently promoted to Vice President of Cincinnati Gas and Electric.
Dr. Rose was nominated by the CEO of Cinergy Corp. to receive the National Leadership Institute Award, presented in Kansas City, Kansas. He was also selected for the Philanthropy Award from the National Society of Fundraising Executives in Indianapolis, Indiana. Over the years, Dr. Rose has served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards.
Rev. Dr. Rose previously pastored the First Baptist Church of Liberty, Indiana, and served as interim pastor of Greater St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana, as well as Second Baptist Church in Bloomington. In June 2003, he became pastor-elect of Second Baptist Church and was officially installed on September 28, 2003, where he continues to serve faithfully.
In 2016, Pastor Rose was led by the Holy Spirit to assume leadership of the Southeastern District Association’s renovation project—an effort to restore the only remaining African American landmark in Orange County, Indiana: the First Baptist (Colored) Church of West Baden Springs.
Through prayer, perseverance, and the movement of God’s Spirit, more than $150,000 was donated over seven years. A dedicated group of members from Second Baptist Church in Bloomington, along with community volunteers, used their skills and talents to restore the historic structure. Today, it stands renewed as the First Missionary Baptist Church of West Baden, Indiana, open once again for weekly worship to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Dr. Rose treasures time spent with his siblings, friends, his daughter Ashley, and his three beloved granddaughters—Alaynna, Aaliyah, and Alaysha.