The Story of Hillside
Hillside Church grew out of a church originally established in 1888, as London South Baptist Church. In 1897, the church erected a new building on the same site, in what is now the heart of Wortley Village, and became Wortley Road Baptist Church. It grew into a dynamic church that emphasized biblical teaching, evangelism, discipleship and missionary support. In 1961, continuing growth led to a move to a new building at the present site on Commissioners Road, which was on the edge of the city at that time. The church was renamed Wortley Baptist Church.
With good leadership in place, a well-equipped congregation, and a large facility, Wortley was ready for explosive growth in ministry at home and around the world. Throughout most of the 1960′s and 1970′s, Wortley was a true, city-wide church that impacted London and many regions of the world. In those days, there were over 900 people coming together on Sunday mornings for worship, and over 700 adults and children in Sunday School. There were many opportunities for adult learning and service during the week, as well as large children’s and youth ministries. Wortley planted four churches in and around the London area.
Beginning in the mid-1980’s and continuing into the late-1990’s, Wortley struggled with decreasing membership as did many, if not most churches throughout North America. The leadership did its best to preserve the ministries and methods that were so successful in the 1970’s and early 1980’s; however, the culture was changing significantly, but the church was not.
In the late 1990’s and early 2000′s, Wortley began a journey of rediscovering itself in order to have effective ministry within a new and post-modern era. It was painful as long-time, faithful members tried to come to grips not only with changing ministry styles, but also with several changes in pastoral leadership over just a few years. Many people looked elsewhere for church associations and within five years, the core congregation had diminished markedly. There were “highs” and “lows” as several new starts were attempted, only to fall back again.
Transition is rarely easy but we were able to re-boot in 2007 when we became Hillside Church of London, with a new set of values that focus on community, freedom, worship, spirit, and truth. We are an eclectic group of people who, realizing we do not have all the answers (nor do we have it all together), want to live in community and follow Jesus, sharing his message and his love with our neighbours and the world.
