HISTORY

 

The church was established on April 6th, 1951 as Beltline Baptist Church on the Beltline Road south of Union. Dr. Glenn Sumner was the first pastor. The early Baptismal services were held in Boughman's Lake on the road to Santuck.

 

In 1955, the church moved to Excelsior Avenue (now Ingle Ave) on land donated by Anna Mae Bobo. The church building was donated by Maylon D. Watkins and Bob Allen.

 

After the death of Bob Allen, the name of the church was changed to Allen Memorial Baptist Church. In 1972 the name of the church was changed again to Sumner Memorial Baptist Church after the death of Dr. Sumner.

 

In October of 1972, Rev. Boyd H. Williams became the church's second pastor serving for 34 years. He and his wife Louise were committed to serving the church and seeing souls saved.

 

In 2006, the Lord sent Rev. Dwayne Rueter to become our pastor following Pastor Boyd's retirement. Under his leadership, our church voted to change the name to Hillside Baptist Church.