Why did Emmett A. Jones donate land? It was for the Lord and for a new congregation. Now, we stand before Church on the Hill Jonestown. This church began with humble roots and a big vision. Let’s explore its history and its place in this community.
Church on the Hill Jonestown started in January 1962. A group of believers met in a vacant school building. The building had no heat or electricity. They felt it was time to plant a church. The area was expected to grow quickly. The first service was held on January 30, 1962. It took place in the former Travis Peak School No. 1.
Soon, the church moved to the Lago Vista Red School. It became known as Northwest Baptist Chapel. Austin’s Northwest Baptist Church sponsored it. Emmett A. Jones, one of Jonestown’s founders, played a vital role. He felt led by the Lord. Jones donated 2.5 acres of hillside land. This was for the new congregation. Members built a church building on the property. It was named South Jonestown Baptist Church. The first service on the hill was October 6, 1963. Bro. Raymond Morell was the first full-time pastor.
The church experienced tremendous growth in the 1970s. It earned Church of the Year awards. The Baptist General Convention of Texas gave the awards in 1973, 1974, and 1975. During this time, the church planted other churches. These included Travis Oaks Baptist, Sandy Creek Baptist, and Shenandoah Baptist Church. An active youth ministry thrived. Buses brought many children from around the Northshore area. They came to activities.
On November 14, 1984, the church changed its name. It became First Baptist Church of Jonestown. The church continued to grow in the 1980s. In 1985-1986, it added 94 members. Forty-three were new believers. They were baptized. In the 1990s, the church acquired five more acres. Its property then extended to FM 1431.
In January 2012, the church celebrated its 50th anniversary. At that time, it hosted an active AWANA club. It also ran a Christian preschool. Numerous other ministries were also active. On April 23, 2017, another name change occurred. The church became Church On The Hill Jonestown. This followed a “replanting” process. The Williamson County Baptist Association guided this process. Ministries included youth and children’s programs. A food pantry and clothing closet outreach also existed.
In 2021, the church adapted to challenges. It met electronically over the Internet twice. It also hosted parking lot “drive-in” services. This was during a coronavirus outbreak. The church did not miss a Sunday service. A severe ice storm destroyed much of the fellowship hall. This required a complete renovation.
Today, Church on the Hill Jonestown is small but resilient. It focuses on rebuilding with essential elements. These create a healthy church. It continues to grow under the Lord’s guidance. The church welcomes those who want to help build something new in the Northshore community.
Church On The Hill desires to fulfill God’s Kingdom work. Motivated by God’s love, it aims to spread the Gospel. This starts locally and extends to missions near and far. The Holy Spirit guides them. They use the Holy Scriptures as their guide. The church strives to live for Jesus Christ. It spreads the Gospel with love and compassion. Its address is 19100 FM 1431, Jonestown, Texas. All are welcome here.