Our Story

Humble Beginnings and Bold Faith (1975-1981)

The story of Hillcrest Seventh-day Adventist Church began on June 7, 1975, when Dr. Leon Cox challenged fifty members of Ethnan Temple SDA Church to plant a new church in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. Ethnan Temple, once located in the Hill District, had been destroyed in the 1968 civil unrest and relocated to Wilkinsburg, paving the way for Hillcrest to rise.

Led by Harold Cleveland, President of the Allegheny West Conference, and named by Sister Mercedes Oakes, Hillcrest found its first home in the John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church. With Jerome Davis as the first pastor, the membership grew, and through personal sacrifice and fundraising, the vision of owning land for a new church began. Under Pastor Walter L. Wright, Hillcrest moved to St. Luke’s Baptist Church and, on June 12, 1977, broke ground on its own property at 2340 Wylie Avenue.

During this early era, the congregation moved several times—including to Avery A.M.E. and Zion Hill Baptist Church—while holding joint evangelistic efforts and laying the foundation, both literally and spiritually, for a permanent home. Pastor Jennings, Hillcrest’s third shepherd, cast the vision: “In the future we will move into a new church edifice.” That future came into focus on September 4, 1981, when the church celebrated its first service in its own lower auditorium.

Building Stronger Together (1982-1996)

With Pastor Edward Brown’s arrival in 1982, Hillcrest moved into the main auditorium and opened a Community Service Center, becoming a beacon of support in the neighborhood. Pastor Brown’s departure ushered in Pastor Kenneth J. Washington, who led Hillcrest through evangelistic seminars, property improvements, and spiritual growth.

Pastor Joseph E. Harris became the sixth shepherd in 1991. He brought a strong emphasis on doctrinal teaching, spiritual revival, and community engagement. Under his leadership, new ministries like Women’s Ministry, Singles Ministry, and teen rap sessions were introduced, enriching the church family. A joint crusade with Ethnan Temple in 1993 brought in new believers and strengthened bonds with neighboring congregations.

Following Pastor Harris’s departure in 1996, Dr. Derrick Moffett became Hillcrest’s seventh pastor. His leadership brought major initiatives such as the “Real Truth Bible Seminar,” “Preparation for the Final Crisis” classes, and a major evangelistic tent effort. During his tenure, the church added a van, a satellite program, and air conditioning to the sanctuary, modernizing the space for worship and outreach.

Growing Forward in Ministry (2002-Present)

In 2002, Pastor Jeffrey Baskin brought fresh energy and vision. He launched the “Have You Had the Experience?” campaign, energized the youth with Hillcrest Youth Explosion, and led community ministry efforts like the Homewood North Youth Program. Pastor Baskin valued the unseen heroes of the church, honoring them as “Quiet Fire” members. He also oversaw key upgrades including a new commercial stove, Fellowship Hall flooring, and the launch of the Computer Technology Center.

When a fire devastated Ebenezer Baptist Church in 2004, Hillcrest opened its doors, providing worship space during their rebuild. In 2005, Hillcrest installed its first female elder, Sister Mamie Clemons, and began merging efforts with Ethnan Temple to form a new church—Rock of Faith—led in part by Evangelist Gene Donaldson.

Pastor Baskin concluded his tenure in 2007, passing the baton to Hillcrest’s ninth pastor, Pastor William Vincent.

Today, Hillcrest is led by our current pastor, Pastor Carle Brown, who continues to build on the legacy of faith and service. Under his leadership, we are committed to spiritual growth, strong community connections, and sharing the gospel with compassion and power. With a heart for both tradition and transformation, Pastor Brown is guiding Hillcrest into its next chapter—rooted in Christ and reaching toward the future.