Not sure of the source of this material - was in a collection of typed histories
It appears to have been written about 1934
The plan for the Highland Heights Christian Church was conceived in the mind of J. W. Bradley and the members of the class of enterprising young men and women that he taught in the First Christian Church. The matter was discussed with the pastor, Dr. J. Lam Keevil, who gave it his hearty support, but no immediate action was taken in the matter.
In 1925 Dr. Paul Henry Packard conducted a series of meetings in the First Christian Church, and it was during this meeting that inspiration was received to carry out the plans which had remained tentative for several years, to build a new church in the southwest part of the city.
On September 27, 1925, at a regular monthly meeting of the official Board of the First Christian Church the following members of that body volunteered to take the responsibility of organizing and going forward with the building of a new church in the city of Wichita Falls, Texas, to promote the cause and kingdom of Christ: J. H. Crouch, V. R. Henderson, J. A. Patton, T. E. Durrett, W. P. Killingsworth, J. W. Bradley, W. M. Baldridge, J. W. Hopper, Dr. R. B. Wolford, C. H. Aldrich, and B. D. Sartin, (chariman).
The first meeting of the Highland Heights Christian Church was held Sunday afternoon, December 6, 1925, at 3:00 O'clock, in the new tabernacle located at Avenue H and Jones Streets, with forty-five members present. It was decided to begin regular meetings on the following Sunday, and without any organization there were eighty-seven present the first Sunday. The little group continued to grow, and in January, 1926, Dr. Paul Henry Packard was called to come hold a meeting, at the close of which he accepted the call to become the first pastor of the new Church.
The little Church continued its growth until the third tabernacle had to be erected. Finally land was purchased on Avenue H and plans made for a new permanent building. The foundation was built early in 1928, and then activities ceased for some time pending completion of plans for financing the project.
Late in 1928 Dr. Packard resigned and on November 8, 1928 Rev. Patrick Henry came to take his place.
Rev. Henry was instrumental in effecting resumption of work on the new Church. Early in 1929 construction of the ground floor of the Church was completed, being temporarily roofed over to afford the congregation a meeting place. With the advent of certain departments of the Sunday School to the new building new stimulus was given to the congregation, and plans were soon announced for completing the entire structure within the year.
On November 17, 1929 the new building was formally opened with three services, morning, afternoon, and evening. Crowds attended that taxed the capacity of the building. The pastor preached the morning sermon, and Dr. Bash from First Christian Church gave the evening message. Special musical numbers featured these services, and the day was one always to be remembered by those in attendance. Mr. J. W. Bradley and Dr. J. Lem Keevil who furnished much of the inspiration for the new Church did not live to see its completion.
On December 15, 1929, was held the cornerstone laying and dedication service. Among items placed in the cornerstone were a history of the Church, letters of appreciation for gifts that had made it possible to erect the new building, attendance certificates for all who were present, and a Bible. The whole congregation marched to the southwest corner of the building, where the stone was put in place.
The Highland Heights Christian Church is located on the corner of Avenue H and Florence Stone Boulevard, just across from the Junior College Building. It follows the Cathedral Type of architecture, and is constructed of Texas stone and venetian blend brick. The Auditorium has a seating capacity of more than 600; there are Sunday school rooms and offices at the rear; there is a commodious basement which contains a dining room and kitchen, and more Sunday School rooms. The plant was constructed at a cost of $100,000.
Rev. Patrick Henry resigned in April 1931, and on May 1, 1931, Rev. J. E. Montgomery came to take the pastorate of the Church, which place he still holds.
The Church has a membership of about 600, and an average Sunday School attendance of about 350.
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