The Hillview Baptist Church was founded November 1905 with the first building dedicated in June 1907. The current church building stands on the same site where the original building stood. The current building was dedicated in April 1973. In August of 1993 the church and parsonage were inundated by flood waters due to a breeched levy of the Illinois river; the only time in 88 years, or since. By the grace of God, aid from sister churches, and hard work from church and community members, we again held services in the renewed building in September 1994. Praise God! A new parsonage was purchased on higher ground across the street from the church.
In October 1959, Brother Bill Smith became the pastor of the Hillview Baptist Church, a position he held until retirement in 2011. Brother Jason Holliman then served as pastor for the next seven years, leaving to be closer with his family in Alabama.
The Hillview Baptist Church is a nonpolitical church. A good many members use the King James Bible but other versions are used. We allow anyone saved and in good standing with God to participate in our communion service; there are no tests, or questions asked. We hold communion service quarterly. We have a large baptistry in the church.
Women play an important role in our church. We are not a contentious church, though there may occasionally be some disagreement, the fellowship remains harmonious. Most of the current active members live in the surrounding areas of the church. The 2010 census puts the Hillview population at 473; most members come from the surrounding areas. The four biggest local towns have an average median household income of $34,162. A good many in the local area travel outside the county to work. The average yearly income of the church for the last five years has been $53,159.70.
In the past five years there have been 23 baptized into the church and 12 transfers by letter. There have been two commitments to God in the church in the past five years. As of late, Sunday School attendance has been hovering in the low twenties. An estimate of Sunday morning church service attendance would be in the range of thirty to sixty; with Sunday evening services reaching from ten to thirty. Wednesday evening bible study is generally just a few people. The church has a relatively new fifteen passenger bus, stored in a garage, for those that need transportation. The church has touched many hearts in the community; and, even though they might not be members, they often call the minister in time of crises and respond kindly when the church is in need.
The town of Hillview Illinois has suffered and lost in many ways through the years. Yet, in the midst of every dark shadow, the church stands as a beacon of light; where people can find shelter from the storm.
Ministries:
Prayer Ministry Telephone prayer chain
Nursing Home Several times a year
Local Food Pantry Monthly donation
Church Camp Provide for camp fees for those that want to attend
Local Missions Provide occasional assistance to those in need
Summer Meals We take our turn making and delivering children’s summer meals
Christmas baskets Provide gift cards at Christmas time to those in need
Funeral Meals Prepare and serve meals to grieving families
Jesus Sign A local billboard that proclaims Jesus as Lord
VBS One week each summer
God be praised even more missions:
Sandy Creek Retreat Center
Sandy Creek Baptist Association
Co-op Program
Lottie Moon
Annie Armstrong
Baptist Children Home
Foreign Missions