Our History
The first ten years
Distinctive patterns of growing, giving and serving Christ developed early in the life of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, established in 1926 under the Home Missions Committee of the Presbyterian Church U.S. as a neighborhood church with 190 members. Having no staff, "we all worked," recalled a charter member. Of the first budget of $12,175, approximately one-fourth was designated for benevolences. Weekly classes in missions were held in homes and from the first the small congregation partially supported the missionary work of Miss Katherine Gray in Mexico and Dr. and Mrs. Mason P. Young in China.
In January, 1927, Dr. W.A. Alexander of Mobile, Alabama, became the first pastor. During the five years of his fine leadership, both membership and budget almost tripled, and in 1928 the first building of architect Mark Lemmon's church plant design hummed with weekday activities, Sunday School classes for all ages and Sunday worship services, morning and evening. Originally, a chapel on the second floor of Alexander Hall served as the church sanctuary.
From 1932 until 1937 Highland Park Presbyterian Church was blessed with the ministry of Dr. Thomas W. Currie Sr. who continued also as president of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary during the entire period at great personal sacrifice. By the end of the first decade membership climbed to 1,104 and benevolences maintained high priority. Two prefab buildings were erected to accommodate overflow Sunday School classes. Dr. Currie urged the congregation to "resolve to become a glorious church in the service of Christ in Dallas." Each Sunday he concluded his pastoral prayer with the petition that the members become a "glorious church without spot or wrinkle."
The second decade of HPPC marks the arrival of beloved Pastors, a vision for mission and record growth
In 1938, Dr. Henry Wade DuBose of Spartanburg, South Carolina, became our "excellent preacher, effective administrator, and beloved pastor." His five fruitful years saw the membership double, the building of the present sanctuary and construction of the two-story offices south of the sanctuary.
On Dr. DuBose's staff were two young persons whose lives were to become entwined with the church: Miss Virginia Gray (later Mrs. William F. Pruitt) was Director of Christian Education, and Leland McDuffie "Mac" Kennedy (later associate pastor) served as a youth worker. Both often recalled the "spirit of expectancy and excitement and loyalty" of the members during those pre-war years.
In the one-year interim between Dr. DuBose's departure and the calling of Dr. William M. Elliott Jr., the church continued to grow in numbers. Dr. Elliott arrived in February, 1944 from the Druid Hills Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia, to begin a 29-year pastorate. The congregation knew that he was an outstanding preacher and an able administrator, but they did not foresee that under Dr. Elliott's guidance Highland Park Presbyterian Church would become the largest church in the denomination with a remarkable record for benevolences.
The second decade in the church's history closed as World War II came to an end and the world welcomed peace. The opportunity for greater world evangelism was a thrilling challenge. Support went from the church to missionaries serving the Belgian Congo (Zaire), China, Korea, Japan, Mexico and Brazil. The congregation seemed to understand that it had been "blessed to be a blessing," not only in its neighborhood and city, but throughout Christ's world.
On Sunday, May 6, 1951, as Highland Park Presbyterian Church began a year-long observance of its Silver Anniversary, Dr. Elliott urged the congregation to recommit to Apostle Paul's vision of "a glorious church for Christ."
In that 25th year, outward measures of Highland Park Presbyterian Church had trails of glory. Membership had zoomed to 3,673; the record budget of $439,050 had maintained a high ratio of benevolences; the newly completed wing of the educational building on McFarlin Boulevard contained a youth chapel, new kitchen facilities and a spacious fellowship hall named in honor of Dr. Thomas W. Currie Sr. The courtyards and the Schoellkopf Garden had been designed. Adjacent property had been acquired for future expansion. Wynne Chapel and the adjoining parlor and choir room were dedicated during the Silver Anniversary year.
In the years immediately following World War II, the church seemed imperceptibly to have gained a broader vision of its role in God's kingdom on earth. Members whose war service had taken them throughout the world returned with heightened concepts for Christian service at home and abroad. The congregation was enriched also by new members from many parts of the country who were attracted to the great preaching, fine music and excellent church school program at Highland Park Presbyterian Church.
To minister to the rapid growth, dual worship services were begun on Palm Sunday, 1951. A multiple ministry system was inaugurated when Dr. Arthur V. Boand became our first associate minister on November 1, 1950. A second associate minister, Dr. Edward A. Mohns, was called in 1954.
These years reflected the unwavering dedication of Dr. Elliott to implementing world missions. By 1951, the congregation was supporting five families on the mission field and four additional missionaries were wholly or partially supported by individual Highland Park Presbyterian Church members.
The Silver Anniversary spirit of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, eager to move toward the vision of a glorious church, was expressed poetically by Dr. Boand in his lines "more humble than proud, more grateful than glad, we rededicate ourselves to the task."
Benevolences and Facilities continue to grow through the 1960’s as HPPC becomes a leader in the Presbyterian Denomination
In commemoration of the church's 40th anniversary in 1966, a group of devoted and talented members undertook the exacting responsibility of writing the history of Highland Park Presbyterian Church. They produced a comprehensive report of all activities through 1966, complete with names of ministers and staff personnel and individual members who directed many activities. Copies of this history are available in the church's Meyercord Library.
The continued growth in membership had created crowded conditions. Dual church school sessions had begun in 1954, but even so, it was necessary to enlarge the first educational building. At the same, time remodeling of the existing wings was started. Alexander Chapel was converted into classrooms, and the beautiful Wight Garden was added. During the long period of renovation, frame structures were erected on Shannon Lane as a temporary youth facility.
Under the multiple ministry system, the associate pastors of this period included Dr. Arthur A. Boand, Dr. Edward A. Mohns, Dr. L. McDuffie Kennedy Jr., Rev. R. Earl Price and Rev. Faries H. McDaniel.
By 1966, membership had risen to 6,208 and contributions to all causes surpassed one million dollars, with almost one-half going to benevolences. The church increased its support of missionaries, some of whom had grown up in Highland Park Presbyterian Church.
The decade of the 60s, which saw great social and spiritual unrest in America, was a period of growing outreach for Highland Park Presbyterian Church. Individual members and the congregation as a body gave strong support to the Presbyterian Extension Committee in organizing new community churches in the area at the rate of about one a year. The church's magnificent support of Presbyterian Village (eventually renamed Grace Presbyterian Village) hastened the retirement community's completion in 1961. Individuals and the congregation led in planning and bringing into reality Presbyterian Hospital, first occupied in 1966.
Two special events occurred in the early 60s: in 1961 Highland Park Presbyterian Church hosted the General Assembly for its centennial anniversary, and in 1963 the church was host to the World Mission Conference. At that event, the congregation presented a gift of $100,000 to the conference in honor of Dr. Elliott, who had served on the Board of World Missions for 25 years.
Highland Park Presbyterian Church had moved from a neighborhood church to Christian service in the neighborhood of the world.
Under the wise and inspiring leadership of Dr. William M. Elliott Jr., Highland Park Presbyterian Church became the leading church in the Presbyterian Church U.S. Its vital signs were unmistakably healthy: growing numbers (6,392), increased giving ($1,208,022) with more than one-half for benevolences), expanded facilities and enthusiastic support of its outreach program at home and in the world. Dr. Elliott was recognized as "a great preacher and a great churchman, a leader in the missionary enterprise of the church, moderator of the General Assembly and a community leaderan inspirational voice for Christ from this pulpit and across America."
Dr. Bell arrives in 1973
Dr. B. Clayton Bell Sr. was called by our congregation to come from the First Presbyterian Church, Rome, Georgia, to become Pastor in the Fall of 1973, the same year that Dr. William M. Elliott, Sr. retired and was elected Pastor Emeritus. Dr. Bell's title was Senior Minister.
As the decade closed the associate pastors were Dr. L. McD. Kennedy Jr., William F. Pruitt; James B. Bankhead Jr., James E. Simmons Jr. and John F. Tolson. The program and ministry began expanding in new directions, offering the congregation new opportunities to serve Christ. With a surge of growth and interest, Highland Park Presbyterian Church reached its 50th year in 1976, anticipating great years ahead.
Other associate pastors serving subsequently included Dr. Sherwood M. Strodel, Dr. Thomas Tyndall, Dr. Harry S. Hassall, Thomas Foley, Thomas Cook, Gareth Icenogle, Dr. Ace L. Tubbs, Peter Barnes, Paul Peterson, William A. Watson, Jean Marie Thorndike, Russell Jonas, Robert H.Thompson, Andrew Adair, Ellen Schulz, Jeffrey Schulz, Martha Thorson, Murray Gossett, Joseph Parker, Chris Robinson, Don Riley, Max Reddick and Marshall Zieman. Also serving was Dr. William L. Edwards as director of the Family Life Center. Even though he was an ordained Presbyterian minister, his portfolio at HPPC was his credentials in the field of counseling.
Dr. Bell gave leadership, not only in the ministries of our congregation, but outside HPPC as well. He served on numerous committees and boards of the agencies of Grace Presbytery (North Texas region of Presbyterian churches), the Synod of the Sun (4 state region of TX, LA, AR, & OK), and the General Assembly. He served in leadership capacities as well for the Covenant Fellowship of Presbyterians, Presbyterians for Renewal and the Presbyterian Coalition.
In the late summer of 1997, Dr. Bell announced his intention to retire. The congregation elected a committee to seek whom should be nominated to serve as the new Pastor (Senior Minister).
In January, 2000, the congregation elected the Rev. Dr. Ronald W. Scates of Baltimore, Maryland to become our Pastor. Dr. Bell retired January 31, 2000, in the midst of much fan fare in celebrations, dinners, recognitions, gifts and appreciations for a ministry of outstanding service for over 26 years.
HPPC Turns 50
A great Celebration of Praise on the 50th anniversary of Highland Park Presbyterian Church was held at Market Hall, allowing enough space for all who wished to attend. Rev. Billy Graham was the guest speaker.
In the Golden Anniversary brochure, Dr. Elliott wrote to the congregation: "God has made this congregation His instrument, and its redeeming witness and influence have gone out across the land and around the world." He closed his message with a prayer for God's direction and power, and for "the rededication of each individual who shares in this church's life."
Under the spiritual leadership of Dr. B. Clayton Bell Sr., the arms of Highland Park Presbyterian Church had been constantly reaching out in new ministries. A special minister had been called to serve the children, and as a result, many parents followed their children into the church. A special minister was provided for the singles, who numbered more than 2,000 church members under age 55. The counseling ministry provided Christian counseling for critical individual and family concerns. A special ministry of recreation provided wholesome activities for younger members and special programs for all ages utilizing the gymnasium facilities. The music ministry nourished the souls of hundreds of choir participants, as well as the congregation, in worship with sacred music. Another special ministry provided fellowship, recreation and opportunities for travel for older members. The ministry of Christian education provided a variety of Sunday School classes for all ages and Bible study in numerous weekday classes. A special minister of discipleship reinforced the many intimate prayer bands and Bible study groups which had developed within the congregation.
Under the guidance of the ministry of Outreach and Evangelism, many members were involved in personal evangelism. They served inner-city needs, assisted Latin-American communities, prison groups and newly-established Presbyterian congregations. During these years, the church supported 18 missionary units and had plans for five additional units. Every spring for 12 years our missionaries and congregation came together for the spiritual refreshment of WOW - World Outreach Week. At that time, 24 members of Highland Park Presbyterian Church were working throughout the world in full-time Christian Service.
The physical plant was expanded with the additions of the Lyda Bunker Hunt Building and the Family Life Center. The large church staff was augmented by more than 2,400 volunteers. Membership had reached 7,700.
When the Presbyterian Church, U.S. and the Presbyterian Church, USA reunited in 1983, Highland Park Presbyterian Church continued its leadership role as the largest, strongest congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). In 1985 Highland Park spearheaded the planning and realization of the first Lay Renewal Congress of the reunited church.
Celebration at the Meyerson Marks HPPC’s 70th
The seventh decade of HPPC, 1987-1997, brought the 200th anniversary of the founding of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as well as the 70th birthday celebration of Highland Park Presbyterian Church's founding marked by a church-wide gathering at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center on May 12, 1996. That year also, First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, the organizing church for Highland Park, celebrated 140 years.
Highland Park's television and radio ministry during this time reached over 60,000 viewers and listeners each Sunday morning. Our educational program, both Sunday School and Day School, saw expansion. Parlor space was needed for five new classes of pre-school age children. Sunday School attendance reached a record 3,000 and one adult class had an enrollment of more than 400. There were 21 adult Sunday school classes and the Highland Park Presbyterian Church Day Schools enrollment reached full capacity with 260 children. One of the special Bible study courses, the Bethel Series, in existence at our church for more than eight years had instructed over 500 and graduated 300.
Highland Park Presbyterian Church now had 5,278 members and 3150 households. The church's budget was $4,700,000, and special offerings at Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and each Communion Service helped with practical concerns at home, hunger abroad and educational needs in Presbyterian colleges and universities.
HIGHLAND PARK PRESBYTERIAN WEEKLY was named Best Parish Newsletter in America and received the National Award of Excellence on four occasions.
The church's Meyercord Library celebrated 40 years and now was divided into the Youth and Adult Divisions with over 22,000 volumes of books, tapes and periodicals.
During these years Highland Park saw significant changes in its church plant. Through gifts from generous donors and the sale of various church properties, our church received an Inner Courtyard Playground for the use of the Day School children, a beautiful cross for the west wall of the Wight Garden, stained glass windows along the corridor to Wynne Chapel, a fire safety sprinkler system for the educational buildings and an elevator for Currie Hall.
During this decade, the final meeting of the Oversight Committee for the Article 13 process was set for May 19, 1991, for the congregation to vote on the question, "Shall the Highland Park Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) request dismissal to another Reformed body?" The meeting was held at Moody Coliseum on the Southern Methodist University campus. Highland Park voted that day to keep its ties with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ending six months of meetings, discussion and prayer. A two-thirds vote of members present requesting dismissal was not accomplished therefore, Highland Park Presbyterian Church remained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Our outreach program was challenged to meet new mission efforts in the Metroplex while keeping its connection with the world mission program. HPPC helped with the development of Presbyterian Church at Hackberry Creek. The Asian (Outreach) Class helped young Laotian, Cambodian and Vietnamese families starting over in the United States. Vacation With A Purpose sent large groups of high school students and adult members to churches in Mexico, Jamaica and Namibia to help with evangelism and construction work on churches and half-way houses. Our Urban Mission program, included, among others, support of the Washington Street Mission, the Roving Stewpot, Body and Soul program at the downtown St. Paul United Methodist Church and the International Friendship Ministry showing hospitality and sharing understanding of different cultures among international students in our community.
Highland Park also joined with the Ideal Neighborhood Association of South Dallas to do home repairs, clean up in a target area, and through Habitat for Humanity helped build the Jim Smith House and the Walt Shepard House in memory of our Family Life Counseling Center-Director and our Director-of Evangelism and Outreach. Our world mission support not only included those in Brazil, Nigeria and Zaire but also Iraq, Siberia, Belgium and the Solomon Islands among other nations.
Our Music Ministry continued to flourish. Aided by generous gifts of the Schulmerich Flemish Carillon, the Schoenstein Company, HPPC built a 35-rank organ in Wynne Chapel and the 95-rank Casavant organ in the sanctuary. Special concerts featured organists from abroad and choral groups such as the Texas Boys Choir, England's Oxford University Choir and the Vienna Boys Choir. Our Chancel Choir performed at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and traveled to England's Coventry Cathedral as the featured choir at the International Music Festival.
Highland Park continued to be a praying church through its Prayer Room, Sunday morning prayer services, Moms in Prayer program and observance of National Day of Prayer.
Presbyterian Women supported the Fannin and Sudie L. Williams Elementary Schools, Operation Christmas Child filling shoe boxes with needed items for children in crisis areas, Projects Day through the years providing tray favors, blankets, rolled bandages and knitted goods for various Presbyterian agencies. Through discount cards at several grocery chains, Presbyterian Women realized more than $30,000 to use for benevolences over its budget.
Highland Park Presbyterian Church Foundation was established by the authority of the Session to receive, hold in trust, invest and reinvest donations, contributions and bequests of all types of property. This program of financial counseling and long-rang planning provided long-term financial support for our church's ministries.
The Family Life Counseling Center's mission to use the best psychological interventions and preventative programs to address the problems that people face with life's challenges was enhanced by a generous gift. This gift supported the sliding scale fee therapy and preventative programs.
A Transition Committee was appointed by the Session as Dr. B. Clayton Bell Sr., Senior Minister, announced his plans for retirement by 1999. This committee would study options open to the church, investigate experiences of other churches and recommend a plan of action for the Session's Personnel Council consideration.
Thus, the seventh decade closed having met celebrations, changes and challenges with the same consistent faith in the grace of God, the love of Christ and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Highland Park Presbyterian Church eagerly anticipated the coming of the 21st Century and the celebration of the church's 75th birthday!
