Hillcrest, one of the largest and most active churches of Christ in Atlanta, humbly began in 1945 in the home of Henry and Jewell Austin, at 780 Palatine Avenue in southeast Atlanta.  The handful of believers did not stay there long.  The next week the small band of 30 adults and children moved to borrowed quarters in Kirkwood Elementary School, and held regular services with John O. Dillingham as the first minister.

 In the years following, the church moved to several places, and 50 of its members established the Glenwood Hills Church of Christ in 1950.  They served under the early leadership of elders, including Jimmy Claxton, Lonnie Gassaway, Ervin Harrison and Henry Austin.

But it was later, in 1964, that the church made a major move --- purchasing property on Snapfinger Road that in a year would see the rise of the brick steeple building housing the Hillcrest Church of Christ.  Naming the church Hillcrest was both poetic, and descriptive, because the edifice was "set on a hill."

 The expansion and relocation of the church to the fast growing south DeKalb com- munity was not just about bricks and mortar.  The church also expanded its outreach and service, including the supporting of missionary works around Georgia, and abroad in places like the Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Africa, and the South Pacific.

 Dedicated church members began a bus evangelism in 1973 under Bob Protsman.  Other ministries were started such as a singles ministry, personal evangelism and expanded outreach to youth.  Tommy Watson, I.W. Worthen, Don Murray and Ray Sissom helped in leading the expanded ministries.  In a noteworthy level of broad involvement, virtually the entire congregation was enlisted in going throughout the community in teams of two, knocking on doors, and inviting residents to visit the church and allow their children to visit Sunday school using church bus transportation.

 The year 1993 was pivotal in Hillcrest history.  John Davis Marshall became the 15th ministering evangelist, and working with the elders he became a catalyst in expanding the church horizons.  New activities, such as the Hillcrest Choral Group led by Regina Norris, built interest and the church cultivated biblical education by improving teacher training.  Through dynamic sermons, and a TV ministry that invited questions from viewers, the church grew.

 Many of new leaders who were to guide the church over the following decade stepped forward during this time.  with the appointment of Willie McGrady in January, 1995 as the first African American elder, and later the appointment of deacons Michael Baker, Larry Jordan, Don Perry, Sylvester Redmond and Lloyd Rucker.  Brother Jordan and Brother Perry later advanced to become elders, along with Kenneth Neal.

During 1990's the church set firm goals to expand facilities for worship, education and community service.  Among the plans are a worship center to accommodate at least 1200, along with 20 classrooms, a gymnasium and facilities for various activities on the 23 acres now owned by the church.  The Family Life Center, now completed and used temporarily for worship service, will soon be bolstered with the new worship sanctuary.

In April, 2006 Hillcrest took another giant step forward with the appointment of Richard L. Barclay as Senior Minister.  Barclay is well know around the brotherhood as a expositor of God's Word and is a widely sought after speaker conducting meetings in over 42 states and in South Africa and Ethiopia.

Barclay's focus on building a people of purpose, power and praise has resonated throughout the church inspiring greater levels of growth in winning souls for Christ.  Increased attendance, more community outreach and new and expanded active ministries are a result of his initial thrust.

Future plans include the completion of the capital expansion program, strengthening member services, evangelism and providing more opportunities to assist and encourage singles, seniors and youth. The church remains committed to winning souls and sharing the love and the word of God.