HOW IT ALL STARTED
Rev. James Wright (center) was appointed pastor of Highland Church.
On June 8, 1964, Highland Avenue Baptist Church was constituted. With 63 charter members, Highland had the privilege of being the first church in the Metropolitan New York Baptist Association to have a mission at the time of establishment. The first two and a half years in the church were spent acquiring a church building and parsonage and after a long search, our building on the hill was purchased.
In January of 1967, Reverend James S. Wright was appointed by the Home Mission Board of the National Baptist Convention as pastor of the Highland Church. This was one of the most difficult stages of our history that allowed for Pastor Wright and the church to be open to the message of the Spirit-filled life. Highland entered the Charismatic Movement, an interdenominational Christian renewal movement focusing on following the move of the Holy Spirit and the use of spiritual gifts. With this new revival after a period of little activity, Highland was refreshed by the Spirit and embraced the message of reconciliation, opening the door to new changes & cultures.
THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
Highland began a dramatic transformation over the years to come. While many members with strong Baptist traditions were lost, the church was able to attract many people who felt much more comfortable in a nondenominational setting that was rooted in the Word but also had the freedom of worship and spiritual experience.
In the mid-eighties, Pastor Subash was led by the Lord to Highland, where he became Pastor Wright's successor upon his passing in 1992.
WHO WE ARE TODAY
Making disciples of all nations
Highland has become a very diverse community with people of all ages, from all around the world. Our praise and worship is as lively & full of rhythm as our members are and the building is a second home to many of us. We continue to uphold the values and vision that were received over 50 years ago.
Our motto, “the Spirit Anointing the Word,” is our foundation and we apply it heavily to our mission of “making disciples of all nations.”
We are focused on making a positive impact on our community by creating a citywide family center where families & individuals alike can grow in faith and discover God's plan for their lives. Highland’s main goal is to see authentic believers and to witness a city transformed by the life changing reality of the gospel, as people come to know Jesus as their Lord & Savior.
This goal was, is, and will always be our vision.