Harmony Hill Baptist Church of Lufkin will celebrate 100 years of service to the community this Sunday, November 10, 2013 with a Celebration Service at the Lufkin Pitser Garrison Convention Center beginning at 10am. The event is open to the public.
BRIEF HISTORY
In 1913, a group of believers gathered under a brush arbor in the Harmony Hill community on land donated by then Southern Pine Lumber Company. Later that year, three congregations shared a building on the property that had electricity, wood heat, an outhouse and a piano.
As time moved on, one congregation was still using the building in 1942. Under the direction of Pastor Westmoreland, First Baptist Church of Harmony Hill gained sole possession of the building and land. In the years that followed, many changes came to this small building. By 1945, there had been an increase in membership, a switch from wood to butane heat, added more lights and the first Christmas program was held.
The parsonage was finished in 1951 and included a telephone and a tin cistern. Baptism services were postponed until the weather warmed to use a parishioner’s pond. In 1952, the first missions’ project went underground. The congregation planted an acre of sweet potatoes to support the new Baptist church in town.
By the end of the 1950s, the congregation had joined the North American Baptist Association, replaced the old sign with a new wooden one by the road, a sidewalk was added and plans drawn for a 425-seat auditorium. Church members would do as much of the construction work as possible, allowing them to afford air conditioning in the new auditorium.
The 60’s and 70’s could be summed up in one word: growth. It must have been a fast growth because the minutes from 1965 include a motion for an adding machine with heavy emphasis on the fact that it must BOTH add AND subtract. Air conditioning was added to the education wing, the parsonage finally got its den and the District Foreign Missions Rally was held. Each member was to bring one dollar in hopes of raising $1,000. Guest Speakers for the rally included Z. T. Rankin, missionary to Japan; John Elliot, missionary to Brazil; and W. L. Burgess and Craig Branham from the missions’ office.
In 1972, the new education wing had been added, repairs were made to existing structures and the junior choir was started. John Greene was elected pastor.
In just five years, the church had tripled its membership to 300. The close of 1979 brought a new electric sign, the groundbreaking on that 425-seat auditorium with a media library and remodeling of the education wing and present fellowship hall. Bonds were sold to help cover the cost of the new building, and sold over $140,000 in just three days.
The foundation of such growth and dedication through 100 years of change has been carried from those first six documented members to this current body. It is the legacy each pastor, music minister, deacon and parishioner passed on, one we carry still today. “Jesus Christ-the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
TODAY
Harmony Hill today offers two services every weekend with a choice of a contemporary or a more traditional approach to the worship of God, and in both services you will have a presentation of the ageless truths of the Bible in a manner that you can understand. At 9:00am, we offer a blended style of worship, which includes a choir and orchestra singing and playing classic hymns as well as some worship anthems. At 10:45am, we offer a contemporary style of music, where the worship bands plays current songs from today’s artists, such as Chris Tomlin and Hillsong.
During the week, a multitude of Life Groups that connect individuals and couples for meaningful friendships are available for all age groups. Also offered are opportunities for preschoolers, children and students to grow in their walk with God and interact with others!
Located at 2708 S Chestnut St in Lufkin, Harmony Hill is where people come to life, and you can too!
-END-
For more information, contact Lee Miller at 936-674-5912. Photos and Video are available. Senior Pastor John Greene is also available for interviews.