Hillcrest/Bass United Methodist Church

Layman Henry I. Bailey from First Street Methodist was asked by the Macon City Board of Missions to organize a church for the growing Hillcrest community. He knocked on doors throughout the Hillcrest neighborhood, recruiting people to play the piano, teach Sunday School and head up the children’s department. Because of his efforts and with the assistance of the City Board of Missions, Hillcrest Methodist Church was born.

The first service at Hillcrest Church was held on the third Sunday in May of 1943 in a house at 1611 Hillcrest Avenue. Dr. George Clary, District Superintendent of the Macon District preached the first sermon. A young man leaving for duty in the Navy made his profession of faith and thus J.Paul Brewer became the first member of the new church and remained a member until his death in 1990.

Services were conducted by laymen until June when Alvis Waite, a student at Candler School of Theology, and his bride Mary Nell moved into one bedroom of the church house and became the first parsonage family.

The Hillcrest Methodist Church was officially constituted on October 3, 1943 with 23 charter members. Dr. Norman Huffman from Wesleyan became part-time pastor in November 1943 and the membership grew to 64. The budget for the 1943-44 year was $575.50 with $300 of it designated for Pastor’s Salary.

By April 1946 land had been purchased for the current location at 3350 Hillcrest Avenueand work had begun. A 40" by 30’ tent was erected on the site and services were held there from November 1946 until June 1947.

In June of 1947 the congregation of 73 members moved into the unfinished building and in January of 1948 the Rev. Loy Veal came to serve as student pastor to the fledgling church. Under his leadership the men of the church continued to work on the building as money was available. They finally completed the original building and began raising money for a sanctuary.

As time went on Hillcrest built more buildings, acquired more property around the original building and carried on a community ministry that lives on until the present day.