The Forest Hills Story

Forest Hills Baptist Church, located at the intersection of Clark Avenue and Dixie Trail in west Raleigh, was organized on the first Sunday of August in 1945 at Fred A. Olds Elementary School. From its humble beginning without a building or land, but with a dedicated group of people who perceived a need for a Baptist church in this part of Raleigh, the church has grown in membership to approximately 1800 resident members.
 
Situated in close proximity to Meredith College and North Carolina State University, Forest Hills has always given high priority to serving the student population of these two institutions as well as other people of the city. In April of 1949, it was noted that 20% of the church membership consisted of Meredith students and NC State students and spouses. While the proportion of students in the membership has not increased, the church program for college students has evolved into an exceptional one. A full-time associate pastor now works with these young people, and their service and missions projects are notable.
 
The church voted in December of 1945 to purchase a piece of land upon which to build and had the lot paid for upon the first anniversary of the church's organization. The first building, currently the Youth Annex, was built in 1948. The first unit of a large church plant--which consisted of a Chapel and education unit--was completed and occupied in April of 1954. The Sanctuary, seating 1200, was completed in 1960, the new education building in 1974, and the Administration Building in 1992.
During the past 50 years, Forest Hills has had five pastors. The first, the Rev. L. Bunn Olive, served from 1945 through 1950. Dr. A. Douglas Aldrich served from July 1951 until June 2, 1963, Dr. John Lawrence from August 1964 through December 1981, and the Dr. Jerry Hayner from September 1982 until January 1993. Dr. Larry Harper, the present senior pastor, has been serving since September 1994.
 
Eighty-one (81) persons joined with Forest Hills on its first day as a church, and 156 had joined as charter members by October 31, 1945, when charter membership ended. In 1951, church membership passed 500, and by 1958, the resident membership exceeded 1000. In 1968, resident members numbered 1534. Present membership at Forest Hills is approximately 1800.
 
Forest Hills has always been a missions-minded church. In addition to money sent to foreign and home missions, special offerings and gifts were given to help several founding churches and missions as well as in direct support of some missionaries. Forest Hills was instrumental in the formation of Providence Baptist Church, The Raleigh Chinese Christian Church and the First African Mission Church. Missions also include members participating in numerous projects in North Carolina, The USA and around the world. The Woman's Missionary Union was organized on September 12, 1945, and the Men's Brotherhood, although much younger, has carried out and sponsored significant missions projects. The church purchased its first missionary house in 1975, and, since 1976, has provided a home for missionaries on furlough. More than 20 families have occupied this house for stays of one year or less during the past 20 years.
 
Because the first pastor and his wife, as well as one other family of charter members, had served in the foreign mission field, there has been continuing interest in working with foreign nationals in the area. As early as 1961, a small group of Chinese people were meeting for Bible study at Forest Hills. In 1978, two members of Forest Hills who were retired missionaries began English as a Second Language (ESL) program with a small group. As this work grew, a full-time associate pastor was employed to give added support. Forest Hills now has one of the larger and more effective ESL programs in the state along with a Sunday Bible study program for internationals.
Forest Hills has recognized from the start the need to provide nurture and support to the children and youth of its families. Many dedicated Christian adults and young people have given generously of their time and love. In more recent years, professional staff members have been employed to organize and implement programs for children and youth while also equipping workers to serve in these areas. There is currently a full-time associate pastor of children and a full-time associate pastor of youth.
 
The first full-time professional staff member employed to assist the pastor was as minister of education whose primary responsibility was the religious education program of the church. The church has always placed a strong emphasis on providing  sound Bible Study as the base for church growth. Two former ministers who had responsibility for the religious education program served for relatively long periods of time which granted stability to developments in the area.
 
The music program has been one of the most vibrant ministries of Forest Hills Baptist Church.  The most recent Associate Pastor for Ministry and Music had tenure of twenty-eight years, and his predecessor served for twenty-five years, an indication of the stability and durability of the music program. Many people of all ages have served the Lord with their musical talents and have provided leadership in music as the church worships.
 
From the very beginning, church members have volunteered generously with their talents in the many jobs required to keep the church a strong and viable institution. Members have been willing to serve many hours as deacons, teachers, committee members, grounds keepers, child care workers, food servers, office help, and in many other areas. During the first 50 years of its life, Forest Hills has established a good foundation upon which to build in the years ahead.