About Hiland Presbyterian Church

Hiland Presbyterian Church

845 Perry Highway (US 19)

Pittsburgh, PA 15229

Phone: (412) 364-9000

URL: www.hilandchurch.org

Email: office@hilandchurch.org

According to historical records, it all began in 1799. Virginia Synod Minutes record that supply minister Mr. Stockton of the Ohio Presbytery preached at "Ye Olde Highland Church" on November 3, 1799. Our history includes worship in an open-air tent, supply ministers, musket-bearing men guarding against Indian attacks, and families traveling on horseback or walking great distances. Today we benefit from the faith and perseverance of our forefathers and mothers, and continue to carry that tradition into the future.

Robert Patterson, the first assigned minister, served from 1807 – 1832. During his ministry the property was deeded to the congregation in 1812 followed by incorporation in 1820 as Hiland Presbyterian Congregation of Ross Township in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The first "church" was a tent, then a log cabin, and in 1836, a building. The addition to the sanctuary, dedicated in 1914, provided Sunday school classrooms, kitchen, Sacristy, and bathrooms. The church interior was remodeled in 1935 and the exterior in 1940. The outside remodeling swept the horizontal lines to a tower with a steeple and a cross on top – the beacon on the hilltop.

Fund raising campaigns began in 1949 for a new educational building and fellowship hall. Ground was broken in 1951; the building was completed and dedicated in 1954. The Association of Hiland Church Women continued the tradition of providing funds for beautification and improvement projects, including the state of the art kitchen in Fellowsihp Hall.

Hiland's commitment to mission includes the establishment of the first preschool for 4 and 5 year olds in the North Hills in 1955. In 1966 Hiland was instrumental in helping to form the North Hills Youth Ministry. The Preschool was expanded in 1975 to include 3 year old children. The North Hills Food Bank, organized in 1981, presently serves the needs of 300 families a month in the northern area of Pittsburgh. In 1982 the Hiland Child Care Center was opened for infants through 12 year olds. Another continuing mission experience is the annual summer work camp, conducted by senior highs, college students, and adults. Hiland was one of the first churches to be "partnered" with a congregation in Malawi following the establishment of the Partnership Agreement between Pittsburgh Presbytery and the Synod of Blantyre in 1991. Since 1996, the congregation has participated in ministry at the Pleasant Valley Shelter for homeless men by providing dinner on a regularly scheduled basis.

Even as we look toward the future, we remain ever mindful of our congregation's rich heritage and long-time service to both God and our community.

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