Highland Hill began in a rented building June 1953 located at 3824 S. 11^th Street with a vacation Bible School.  Following the vacation Bible School a mission was organized and guided by missionary C.H. Green.  Pastors who served the mission were: Bob Robinson, Gordon Reynolds, Clarence Powell, and Fred Bennett.

On October 10, 1954 the mission became an organized church with 31 charter members.  It was named, "First Southern Baptist Church," and the new church called Dr. R.W. Leazer as the first Pastor.  Others who pastored the church were: Rev. James Smith, Dr. Charles Leonard, Rev. Robert Shaddox, Rev. Eugene Jackson, Rev. Fred McPherson, Rev. Fred Martin, Rev. Alda Dorrough, Rev. Omer R. Irby, Rev. Wilby Casey, Dr. Kenneth Stanfield.

In 1955, the building committee chose the site of our present buildings and the church voted to purchase the lots.  Bro. R.L. Barbee donated the East and West Educational Buildings.  They were moved to our present site and remodeled.

On July 15, 1956, the church voted to change its name to "Highland Hill Baptist".

On January 30, 1957, the chairman of the trustees signed a petition for a road which is now known as Pearl Street.

The first services were held in the basement of the East Building in November 1958 with a total membership of 83.  The sanctuary was finished in 1961.

The church has sponsored several missions.  The first in University Place and due to lack of enthusiasm, it closed its doors after a few months.  The second is now known as The Church at The Palisades.

Good News Baptist Chapel endured about 2-years and became part of Palisades Church.  Our church also sponsored Vashon Island Baptist Church until they became a church and the Tacoma Vietnamese Baptist Mission.

In 1979 the church celebrated its 25^th year of ministry with a homecoming.  At that time the note was burned indicating the church was debt free.

Over the past 52 years Highland Hill has labored faithfully to reach its community for Christ.  Today we stands ready to accelerate the effort.

At Highland Hill we've always been a diverse group of people united by a common goal to give our community the best opportunity to become fully developed followers of Jesus who love God through growing, caring, and sharing.

When you visit Highland Hill, you can expect to be welcomed warmly and find the teachings relevant to your life. We look forward to meeting you and your family and hope you will visit us real soon.