The History of Highland Park

In 1957, land was purchased by the Colorado State Baptist Convention for future growth of an American Baptist Church in northeast Colorado Springs.  Through the combined efforts of First Baptist Church and Bethany Baptist Church, HPBC was organized on June 12, 1957, and met at Audubon Elementary School until the church building was constructed.

The charter membership was signed by 44 people representing 17 families on May 25, 1958.

The central purpose of the church, as stated on the charter membership document, is:

• Advancement of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ through public worship
• Preaching of the Gospel
• Consistent Christian living
• Personal evangelism
• Missionary endeavor
• Christian education

Ground was broken for the first building on February 23, 1958, and was dedicated November 10, 1958.  At a membership of 69, growth initiated the first addition, which began June 3, 1963, and was dedicated on October 20, 1963.  This addition is our current sanctuary.

There have been two more additions:  a gym (1977-1978) and an education building (1993-1994) as well as remodeling done during the building of the additions.  The current active membership is just under 200.  Seven pastors have served at HPBC since 1958.

"Baptist to Build First Chapel at Highland Park"

Freedom Press, February 22, 1958

Ground breaking ceremonies for the chapel of the Highland Park Baptist Church, 290 North Circle Drive, will be held Sunday afternoon at 3:30.

The chapel was designed by Mowry Gilbert and is the first of three units to include an education building and sanctuary as growth of the church requires expansion of facilities.  It seats about 100 and a full basement will be used for Sunday School.

The fellowship, organized June 12, 1957, has 40 members at present.  Rev. Paul A. Appel, interim pastor of the First Baptist church, will begin his pastorate with the Highland Park Church March 1.

Rev. Appel said that services will be held at the Audubon School, 2400 East Van Buren, beginning March 2 and continuing until completion of the new chapel in approximately 90 days.  Church school for all ages will begin at 9:45 a.m. and the Worship Service at 11 a.m.  Young People and Youth groups will meet in the homes of members each Sunday evening.

Present officers include Albert W. Reuter, Chairman, Earl L. Nichols, Vice-chairman, Mrs. Herbert A. McQuery, Secretary, and Mrs. Charles E. Slusser, Treasurer.

This new church is a cooperative effort of the American Baptist Home Mission Society and the Colorado Baptist Convention, each of whom is providing financial assistance.  The members of the Highland Park Church are from Bethany and First Baptist churches.