HISTORY OF NORTH HIGHLAND

North Highland's beginning dates back to 1915 when a group of believers started conducting evangelistic services in homes and on the streets of North Highland district (2nd Avenue). Several local ministers led this assembly for brief periods of time in those early days and especially the ministry of Reverend and Mrs. S. W. Noles. This effort continued until 1920 when a home was purchased at 3009 5th Avenue and became an organized church.

The church was officially recognized by the General Council of the Assemblies of God on May 12, 1922.

In January 1923 the church called its first full-time pastor, Reverend and Mrs. J. M. Graham. In 1925 Pastor Graham built a new frame church on 3rd Avenue. The church grew and prospered under the leadership of the Grahams.

In 1938 the Reverend and Mrs. J. O. Savell constructed a large brick church on the same site on 3rd Avenue. The church reached a record attendance of 658. The church continued to grow under successful pastors and in the year 1943, under the pastorate of Reverend and Mrs. Keetah Jones, the church registered an attendance of 811.

Reverend and Mrs. Edgar Bethany came to the church in 1948 and in 1955 built the church on 38th Street and 5th Avenue. A record attendance was registered at an all time high of 1233.

The present facility, located at 7300 Whittlesey Boulevard (formerly Livingston Drive) was envisioned, planned and construction began under the leadership of Reverend & Mrs. Clyde Wasdin. It was completed and occupied on Easter Sunday of 1984 under the leadership of Reverend and Mrs. Wallace Weber.

In August 1986, the Reverend and Mrs. Jim Swilley became Senior Pastors of the church. During their ministry a Royal Ranger Lodge was constructed and declared to be free of debt in 1990. In 2005, additions to the Lodge doubled the space allowing for future growth.

Also, The NHA Swilley - Community Prayer Tower was constructed and officially opened January 1998. This tower extends 125 feet in the air and stands as a beacon of hope and our commitment to prayer. It serves as a place to visit and pray and study in an atmosphere surrounded by soft, worshipful music.

In April 2007, Pastor Jim Swilley resigned as pastor after 22 years. The Swilleys faithfully and honorably served North Highland.  Under their leadership,  North Highland experienced much growth and financial stability. They are loved and appreciated for all that they allowed the Lord to do throughout their leadership, making North Highland Assembly the great church it has become.

On Sunday, July 22, 2007 North Highland installed Rev. Dennis B. Lacy and his wife, Sue of Dunwoody, Georgia as pastors. Pastors Jim and Darlene Swilley and other district officials were in attendance on this great day as the mantel, keys, words of challenge and encouragement were passed on to the Lacys. A church-wide fellowship dinner followed this grand occasion.

Pastor Lacy was called into the ministry in 1971.  He is a graduate of Central Bible College and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Springfield, Missouri.  In 1972, he was ordained with the Assemblies of God.  He and Sue served on staff at Southside Assembly (St. Louis), Evangel Templel (Columbus, GA) and pastored Calvary Assembly (Dunwoody, GA) for 25 years before coming to North Highland Church.  We are enjoying a new season of leadership and direction with thel Lacys.

NHC is growing and thriving continually.  North Highland will continue to extend its ministries not only to Columbus residents, but also throughout the state of Georgia.

"WE ARE PASSIONATE 4 GOD, PASSIONATE 4 PEOPLE AND PASSIONATE 2 SERVE."