Highland History

The gleaming stained-glass windows of Highland Baptist Church remind us that we continue a living tradition beginning with the saints of the Bible. At Highland, too, we are heirs to a strong heritage, from the 27 people who formed the church at a house meeting in 1893 to the hundreds of members today who gather here regularly for worship, study, fellowship and other gospel work.

If you would like a copy of The Cloud of Witness: 110 Years of Faith at Highland Baptist Church, you can request one through the church office or download Chapters 1 & 2 which covers 1891 through 1929 (739kb download).

1893 - Twenty-seven people gather in a home and agree to a covenant founding Highland Baptist Church in the newly developing eastern suburbs of Louisville.

1911 - Highland’s first missionary, Louise Tucker,settles in China.

1915 - Now with 570 members, Highland officially opens the sanctuary building still in use.

1918 - Highland members care for local soldiers amid deadly influenza epidemic that shuts down churches.

1920s - Annual revivals sweep dozens of young members into the church.

1940s - One hundred-twenty Highland members serve in World War II, carrying the anxious prayers
and gift New Testaments from the church.

1954 - Church dedicates new education building.

1963 - Highland launches fourth mission in Louisville, adding Bashford Manor to previously started Shawnee, Vine Street and Baxter Avenue Baptist churches.

1972 - Church installs new stained-glass windows
featuring saints from the Old Testament to modern Baptist history.

1984 - Church begins to ordain women deacons.

1990s - Amid rightward shift in Southern Baptist
Convention, Highland aligns with Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

2001 - Church votes to form partnerships with the Albanian people.

2003 - Church celebrates 110th year.