| FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH |
|---|
Beginning in the 1920's the little church struggled to maintain its existence. Accordingly, starting October 28, 1923, its congregation merged with that of the West Highland Baptist Church, holding services in each other's building on alternate Sundays; an arrangement that lasted until December 13, 1942. The Rev. Ralph Karney served the needs of both congregations for much of this period, from 1930 to 1942. The building was closed in 1944 and stood vacant until July 30, 1949, when control was assumed by the newly organized Hickory Ridge Community Church. In 1983 it became the home of Cornerstone Bible Church. When that congregation built a new, larger facility to the south, the original 1869 building served for a time as a youth center. Despite its historic significance, however, it was summarily demolished in 2007. At the time it was the oldest church building remaining in Highland. The photo below shows the church as it looked in the late 1980's/early 1990's.
