Hillsview Seventh-day Adventist Church

The history of the Hillsview Seventh-day Adventist Church is a wonderful illustration of how God has led His children this far by faith. We are Praising God for the past and we have faith for the future.

In the summer of 1971, two laymen felt a burden upon their hearts to go into a small community called Queenstown to conduct an evangelistic crusade. Unable to obtain a tent to conduct these meetings, Elder Willie Moore, Sr., and Elder Clayton Alves, Sr. launched a crusade under the twinkling stars. They used a spotlight on a pole on a vacant lot to keep a brighter hope. Spirit-filled meetings were held nightly. A short time later a tent was secured from the South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Each Sabbath morning, these laymen along with devoted members from the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church conducted Sabbath services. They worshiped in a renovated house purchased by Elder Clayton Alves, Sr. This was the beginning of the Queenstown Seventh-day Adventist Mission. Elder Murray E. Joiner was serving as district pastor.

On November 4, 1972, a special purpose of organizing the Mission as an official church of the South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventists occurred. There were twenty charter members: Clayton and Elizabeth Alves; Annette and Joann Jackson; David and Juanita Jackson; Ruth Kelley; John and
Luberter McClellan, and their children (Doris, Mattie, John Jr. and Nathaniel); Willie and Bettye Moore; Jean Morgan; Nathan and Ruth Ross; Robert Thomas; and Flora Washington.

The Sabbath services were conducted for four and one-half years in a renovated house in Queenstown.

However, the members were determined and committed to raise funds to build a sanctuary to the glory of God. David Jackson, Sr. served as the contractor.

Through hard work, sacrificial giving and the untiring prayers of "Prayer Warriors," members, and friends, the dream became a reality. Opening day services were held on November 20, 1976. This newly built structure was situated on a site just a short distance from the original house site. The structure was valued between $85,000-$100,000. The seating capacity was 150-200 persons. With the guidance of the Holy Ghost each member went forth aflame from the dedication service with greater determination to work diligently for the saving of souls. As a result of members' faithfulness in giving, the mortgage to the church was burned in 1991.

The members of Hillsview worshipped in Queenstown for twenty-four years. In 1997 the South Central Conference and the church members thought about moving inside the Birmingham, AL city limits. An idea for the move was to ensure the continued growth of the church. In March of 1998, Elder J.W. McCoy Conference President assigned Pastor Michael Ross, Sr. to the district.

As Pastor Ross was given the green light to look for properties, many were viewed and overviewed. Finally, a piece of property had been located; and 264 Roebuck Drive was the new home of the Queenstown Hillsview Church. Through the generosity of members and friends, pledges and donations, and the approval of the conference committee and the AmSouth bank, the property was purchased. At the time of the sale, the value of the property was approximately $500,000.

In 2005, following Pastor Ross' sudden move to Mobile, AL, Hillsview was in immediate need of a pastor. Elder Dana C. Edmond, who was serving as the Conference Executive Secretary at the time, served as the Interim pastor from the summer of 2005 until the end of that year. Elder Edmond would encourage the members of Hillsview to be consistent in attendance at all church services, by example. All of this was while he was still serving the needs of the South Central Conference.

Elder Edmond's commitment timeliness and pastoral care to the members helped the church to continue to grow under his leadership. Also during his tenure, the first strategic plan was in place for church growth.

By the end of 2005, it was determined that Pastor Toussaint Williams would serve the Hillsview Church; however, his arrival was not expected until February 2006. So, as Hillsview awaited his arrival, Pastor Willie Black - an ordained Seventh-day Adventist Pastor who was also a faithful Hillsview member-stepped in to assist Hillsview with this transition.

Pastor Willie Black served Hillsview as interim Pastor for approximately six weeks. But with various successes under his leadership, including the purchase of a much needed office equipment. Pastor Black's tenure seemed much longer. His time at Hillsview, although short, will always be remembered.

Pastor Toussaint Williams arrived to pastor Hillsview on February 11, 2006. He and his wife, LaKeisha, were very well loved. Little Eleazar Williams followed his parents to Hillsview, and little Uriah Williams was born into the Hillsview family in February 2009. A major theme during Pastor Williams' tenure was "Prayer Changes Things.".

Following Pastor Williams' departure, Elder Vandeon Griffin, South Central Conference Youth Director, served as Interim Pastor for several months from the Summer of 2009 until the Fall of 2009. He and his wife, Kimberly, had a great impact on many people in the church.

Pastor, Juleun A. Johnson, and his wife Melissa and daughter Morgan arrived from Panama City, FL, excited to assist each member in using their spiritual gifts in God's service. They welcomed their second daughter Julia into the world during their time at Hillsview. Pastor Johnson's emphasis is for each person and family to be prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ. A theme for his service at Hillsview is Real, Relevant and Relational.

The Current Pastor George pastored in Mississippi from 2009 to 2014. He and his wife Abi along with their three sons Jabari, Micai and Cade were transferred in the summer of 2014 to Birmingham, Alabama where Pastor George currently pastors the Hillsview Seventh Day Adventist church. Abi continues her career as a licensed social worker in Birmingham. Pastor and Mrs. George see themselves as being in ministry together. As pastor and social worker, they see themselves as a team that has been mandated by God to serve the community in a tangible, spiritual, and lasting way. It is their belief that love for God is love for the community.

The district pastors who have served are M.M. Young; M.E. Joiner, Sr.; W.J. Cleveland; R.L. James; T.L. Hemingway; G.L. Byars; R.I. Rugless; Washington Johnson, II; J.W. Jones; Michael Ross, Sr.; D.C. Edmond; Willie Black; Toussaint T. Williams; Vandeon D. Griffin; Juleun A. Johnson: and beginning in the summer of 2014 until present Darron George.

CHURCH TIMELINE

Summer 1971 - Queenstown Lay Meeting

November 4, 1972- Church Organized

November 20, 1972 - Dedication of Queenstown Church

1991- Mortgage Burning for Hillsview SDA Church, Alton, AL

February 2002- Closing on Church Property

2001 - Church found in Roebuck area

March 15-16, 2002 - Dedication

2011 - 40th Anniversary Celebration

293.52,

95.88

389.40

485.28