In 1967, in order to better serve its members who lived so far away, Mayo Baptist Church (along with the Henry County Baptist Association) began a mission in the Horsepasture area, with Rev. Jim Cravens serving as its pastor. On November 17, 1969, Rev. Ross Moyer was called as pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church with 63 charter members. The Henry County Baptist Association deeded Hillcrest nearly five acres of land on Route 58 West in Horsepasture on December 16, 1970.
Construction of the church building began soon thereafter and was completed in May 1973. Since then, the building has been renovated or added onto five times, and now holds more than 20 classrooms, 5 offices, a 500 capacity sanctuary, a large social hall and adjoining modern kitchen, a fellowship/worship room, and a chapel for our youth group.
Between 1973 and 1987, Rev. John Owen, Rev. Arvin Williams, Rev. Arnold Terry, and Rev. Jim Caparolie served as pastors, successively. On November 1, 1987, Douglas Ramsey was called to serve as Interim Pastor; and was voted in as Pastor June 1, 1988. Rev. Larry Jones (Jon) Parker served as Minister of Youth and Children from July 1999 through August 2005; and Rev. Jonathan Haskew was our Minister of Education/Outreach from April 2003 through May 2008. On March 19, 2006, Roger Jones was called a Minister of Youth & Children; on July 27, 2008, his title was changed to Associate Pastor/Youth and he served through November 2012. Rev. Clyde H. Murray became our second Associate Pastor (of Music & Worship) in August 2009 after Betsy Morris retired, having served as Choir Director for 40 years, and he served through 2021. Our Senior Pastor, Doug Ramsey, retired on September 26, 2010. Dr. Morgan Browning became our Senior Pastor on January 8, 2012 and served through January of 2013. Brian Horrell was called as Youth Pastor in November of 2013 and served until October 2017. Derek Futrell served as Senior Pastor from January 2015 through March 2017. Rev. Doug Ramsey served as interim Pastor from April 2017 until August 2019 and was honored in June 2016 as Pastor Emeritus. Our Current Senior Pastor Randy Aldridge was called in August of 2019. Pastor Steve Doby became our Associate Pastor of Family and Worship on May 1, 2022.
The Lord has greatly blessed and provided for Hillcrest over the years and we praise him for all He has done.
Congregation
1967
Mayo Baptist Church and Henry County Baptist Association began a mission in the Horsepasture area
1969, Nov. 17
63 charter members founded Hillcrest Baptist Church in the Horsepasture Ruritan Building
Building
1970, Dec. 16
Henry County Baptist Association gave nearly 5 acres of land on US 58 West in Horsepasture. Construction began soon thereafter.
1973
May, Building completed and dedicated
1986
Added educational space
1991
New sanctuary, pastor's study, choir room, parlor, fellowship hall, and educational space added
1997
10,000 sq. ft., 2-level wing for social hall, youth room, other classrooms, and an enlarged and upgraded kitchen; expanded parking lot
2002
5,000 sq. ft., 2-level wing for offices and bigger youth room
2004
Additional space for new choir room, classrooms, and expanded sanctuary
Pastors and Staff
1967-1968
Rev. Jim Cravens
1968-1971
Rev. Ross Moyer
1973- 1974
Rev. John Owen
1974-1976
Rev. Arvin Williams
1977-1980
Rev. Arnold Terry
1983-1987
Rev. Jimmy Caparolie
1987-1988
Douglas Ramsey (Interim)
1988–2010
Rev. Douglas Ramsey (Senior Pastor, 1999-2010)
2009-2021
Rev. Clyde H. Murray (Associate Pastor/Music and Worship)
2011-2012
Rev. LTC J.D. Moore, US Army Chaplain (Interim Pastor)
2012-2013
Dr. Morgan Browning (Senior Pastor)
2013-2017
Rev. Brian Horrell (Student Pastor)
2015-2016
Rev. J. Derek Futrell (Senior Pastor)
2018-Present
Rev. Randy Aldridge (Senior Pastor)
2022-Present
Pastor Steve Doby (Associate Pastor of Family and Worship)