Hillview Baptist Church

Did Mr. Roland Smith ever imagine his dream would become the Hillview Baptist Church? In 1962, this Canadian missionary envisioned planting a church in Montego Bay. He shared this burning desire with Mr. Raphael Moxam, a police officer in Albion. One day, Mr. Moxam was disturbed by children’s swearing near the Albion All Age School. He felt the area desperately needed a Sunday School. He spoke to Principal David Samuels, and permission was granted to use the school for services. In April 1963, Hillview Baptist Church held its first service. The Smiths, along with the Moxams, worked tirelessly. They brought together people of all ages. The church grew rapidly. When the Smiths went on furlough, the McKillops continued the work. The congregation remained dedicated, and their faith was rewarded. Soon, the school became too small for the growing Hillview Baptist Church. The church purchased a three-quarter-acre lot in 1963 and began construction. The members worked alongside skilled laborers, day and night, to build what is now the Roland Smith Educational Centre. The building was dedicated on March 30, 1969. The Hillview Baptist Church continued to thrive under missionary leadership, first with Rev. Smith and his assistant, Eral Lewis, and later with other missionaries. Eventually, Rev. Lewis became Hillview’s first national pastor. He served faithfully for twenty-eight years. Rev. James Richards followed, serving for twelve years before moving to the United States. In 2008, Rev. Duane Madden became the pastor of Hillview Baptist Church. He continues the tradition of dynamic preaching. Hillview Baptist Church has always supported missions. Their first missionary, George Beckford, was sent to Bolivia where he died on the mission field. His wife, Fidelia, continues his work there. Hillview has ordained four ministers and nurtured three mission works: Faith Baptist in Flankers, Canaan Baptist in Dumfries, and Baylife Baptist in Bogue, all in St. James. The church continued to grow. By 1984, they began work on the top floor, which is now the main sanctuary. In 1991, the building was complete. The Hillview Baptist Church, once just a dream, stands on the hill as a beacon of faith, boasting a membership of approximately three hundred people.