Dale County AlArchives Photo Place.....Hillcrest Baptist Church June 14, 2004
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Christine Thacker CGT714@AOL.com March 11, 2005, 9:40 pm

Source: The Southern Star
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THE SOUTHERN STAR Wednesday, JULY 14,2004-4A

           History Of Hillcrest Baptist Church

  At the Cowikee Mill No.4 reunion June 12, Rev. Isom Hill, pastor of Hillcrest 
Baptist Church, gave the following history of the church.
  Hillcrest Baptist Church was established in 1924 as Millview Baptist Church 
located in the Eastern section of Ozark, Alabama, property being owned by 
Cowikee Mills, known as the "Cotton Mill village." Services were held twice a 
month for both faiths, Baptist and Methodist. Between 1924 and 1932 the church 
building was also used as a primary school for children of working families of 
Cowikee Mills. The back section had two or 'three rental apartments for 
employees. After 1930 the building was used for recreation and community 
services.
  The Baptist congregation applied for and received membership into the "Dale 
Baptist Association" on October 19, 1932. The moderator of this meeting was 
Rev. J. W. Avery, who appointed a committee, consisting of C. W. Milford, Mrs. 
J. L. Snell and Mrs. C. S. Daniels to confer with the first two delegates, Roy 
Cook and W. Frank Waters.
  The church called its first Pastor, Rev. J. C. Rogers of Eufaula, Alabama. 
Two services a month were held. During his pastorate the membership grew to 36 
members. Charter members included: Roy and Nona Belle Cook, Grady and Eva 
Gamble, Oliver Broadwell, Ora Teal, John W. Baldwin, Mr. Hudson, Mr. and Mrs. 
Marvin Powell, Martin F. Andrews, and Lilleh Cotter Gamble.
  One familiar sound is now long past, the ringing of the church bell before 
each service. This was the faithful service of deacon Martin F. Andrews until 
the bell was removed during the construction of the new sanctuary in 1963.
  The church purchased the present church properties from Cowikee Mills, June 
19, 1956. An additional lot was purchased from the city of Ozark March 28, 1958.
  In 1961 the church constructed an educational unit. October 1, 1959 the name 
of Millview Baptist Church was officially changed to Hillcrest Baptist Church.
  The church outgrew the old sanctuary and a building prograin was entered into 
to build a new sanctuary with the seating capacity of 400. The first service in 
the new sanctuary was held January 1964. Dedication services were held February 
7, 1965.
  The church was incorporated April 21, 1963 as Hillcrest Baptist Church, Inc. 
of Ozark, Alabama, 500 Church Street.
  In 1974, the church purchased the lot across the street. July 16, 1978, 
Hillcrest Baptist Church observed a note burning service in front of the 
sanctuary. After much interest and correspondence with Donald Comer III of 
Cowikee - Mills about purchasing the adjoining three acres of land and the 
building known as the "Scout Hut," Mr. Comer graciously donated and deeded this 
to Hillcrest" Baptist Church July 3,1980. In 1982 the church renovated 
the "Scout Hut" into our now beautiful Fellowship Hall.
  Many more improvements have been made through the years. We just praise the 
Lord, for he has surely blessed.
  Ordained and licensed men from Hillcrest Baptist Church are: Eddie Walters, 
Clifford Edwards, and Robert Bayne, Jr.
  Chronological order of pastors are: J. C. Rogers, Harvey W. Beasley, R. Cas 
Deal, Otis Jackson, J. Hamp Gunter, William J. Snellgrove, Irl R. Hicks, H. D. 
Turner, Ronald McGhee, Kenneth Fain, Oran Hayes, H. D. "Pete" Turner, Terry 
Rice, Randy Booth, Glenn Pender, Jerry Long and Hilary Stewart.
  The Interim Pastors were: William J. Easterling, C. H. McKnight, William J. 
Snellgrove, Hal Bennett, Butch Wills, Bill Jones, E. A. McGriff, Samuel E. 
Maddox, Paul Robinson and Isom Hill is now pastor of Hillcrest.


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