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Highland History




“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

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.



Leadership

Joe Phelps

PASTOR

 

Nina Maples

ASSOCIATE PASTOR

 

Renee Purtlebaugh

MINISTER TO CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

 

Carol Harston

MINISTER TO YOUTH

 

Emily Hull

MINISTER TO YOUNG ADULTS

 

Kathy Collier

MINISTER OF MUSIC AND WORSHIP

 

Austin Echols

ORGANIST

 

Don Burke

PASTOR EMERITUS

 

Bill Campbell

DEACON CHAIR

 

Lee Cave

DEACON CHAIR ELECT

 

Mary Burks Price

MINISTRY PLANNING TEAM CHAIR