On Sunday, February 28, 2010, Hill's Chapel held their final service in the sanctuary.  Most of us have cherished memories of events held in the sanctuary:  weddings, baptisms, funerals, children's programs, cantatas, and the regular Sunday morning worship services.  We had a panoramic photo made of everyone attending this final service standing in front of the church, just as church members had done in 1948 when this sanctuary was built.

 

Beginning in March, 2010, Phase 1 of our capital campaign "The Promise of a New Day" began.  Renovation of the former parsonage into offices, meeting rooms and Sunday School classrooms started.  To accomplish this renovation, we sadly had to lose a huge oak tree which was cut down by a member of our church.  Items from the sanctuary and educational building that could not be used elsewhere were given to members or donated to another church.  Our stained glass windows were removed and will be restored for use in our new sanctuary.  On March 29 - the church bell, which we have enjoyed hearing for many years, was removed.  It will also be reused.  Demolition of the sanctuary began after the bell was removed.  With sadness and excitement, we have started the new chapter in our life as a church.  We know that God is with us through this change and is giving us this opportunity to reach out and bring others closer to Him.

 

 

The members of Hill's Chapel United Methodist Church have always been committed to the advancement of the Kingdom of God.  From 1860 when the first members organized the church and met in a brush arbor to now, persons find this church to be inviting, welcoming and excited about worshipping and serving the Lord.  Many persons have had their lives changed in this church - in worship and events held in each building that has housed a chapter of our history.

 

Our goal is to keep sharing God's love with others as our ancestors did with each new addition or new facility for the church.  It is our time to take a leap of faith and move forward to serve all who call Hill's Chapel their home church, today and tomorrow.

 

Our community has grown and changed around the church since the current sanctuary construction in 1948.  As new neighbors came, the HCUMC membership grew to include more persons not descended from local families.  We must be ready to embrace new persons who choose to worship and join with us as the community continues to grow.

 

"There is a time for everything under heaven...a time to tear down and a time to build." Ecclesiastes 3:1,3b

 

A time to build?  To renovate and begin new construction is a daunting decision in the current economic times.  However, we believe that God's time is now for Hill's Chapel to expand our facilities and, as a result, our ministries.  It is our time to build onto the history of Hill's Chapel.