HISTORY

1894 - Reverend Henry Robinson separated from the Second Baptist Church along with 29 members. On the second Sunday in November, Rev. Robinson met the group in a hall at the corner of 10th and Campbell Street and organized Mount Saint Gilead Baptist Church.

1894 - The Old Westport historical records indicate the church held its first rally of Mount Gilead on the corner of 8th and McGee at Vineyard Hall which they rented for the day.

1895 - In a short while, the congregation purchased a lot between 11th and 12th Street on Highland Avenue and started building a church. From the time of the occupancy of the basement and the hall, the church was renamed Highland Avenue Baptist Church. The date on the cornerstone is June 2nd, 1985. The date finished is unknown.

1900 - Reverend Henry Robinson died. He had been an outstanding leader in the religious life of Kansas City for twenty-eight years. Reverend G.W. Boyd built the auditorium, but he didn’t complete the church. He was known for his unusual ability and good leadership.

1914 - Reverend F.H. Mills exceeded Reverend Boyd. Reverend Mills remained for only a short time.

1916 - Reverend J.H. Brooks resided as pastor. While under his leadership, the edifice was remodeled and completed.

1919 - Under the preaching of Reverend J.W. Craig, the membership grew substantially, but was reduced during the interim before the coming of a new pastor; Reverend Horton.

1962 - The Reverend W.L. Blake was called to pastor, with hard work the $500 Club and the Youth Choir was started. After serving two years, he resigned.

1964 - Reverend John Vinson was called to pastor, under his leadership the Trustee Board and the singing units were revised and the organ was purchased.

1969 - Reverend Kenneth E. Ray, Sr. and his family moved to Kansas City and became the 8th pastor of Highland Baptist Church. His distinct character, strong leadership, and spiritual integrity was admired by all then and now.

1975 - According to the Proclamation, the church was able to burn its mortgage.

1976 - Under the leadership of Reverend Ray, the sanctuary was remodeled.

1977 - The church purchased a new pulpit and furniture.

1978 - All new stained glass windows were purchased in the sanctuary.

1979 - The church purchased a van and started a van ministry.

1980 - The church has the pews and the piano repaired and refinished.

1986 - New renovation began once again and a new roof was put on and the sanctuary was refinished.

1987 - Classrooms and additional restrooms were added.

2003 - Reverend Kenneth E. Ray, Sr. retired from the pastoral office and was honored as the Pastor Emeritus of Highland Baptist Church.

2003 ~ Present - Reverend Dr. John Sidney Jones was installed as the 9th Senior Pastor of The Highland Missionary Baptist Church. Rev Jones made numerous additions to the church as follows:

• Paved Driveway & Asphalt Parking Lot

• Heating and Air Conditioning System in Sanctuary

• Implemented New Church Policies and Procedures Manual

• Remodeled the Fellowship Hall, Kitchen, Restrooms, Pastor’s Study, Church Office, Computer Room, Sanctuary, and Lobby Areas.

• On radio station KGGN 890-AM

• Organized Friday HYPE Nights for Youth and Young Adults

• Development of Scholarship Fund for high school graduates.

• Building Community Relations and interacting with church leaders and law enforcement officers by working as a chaplain with the Kansas City Police Department and Jackson County Sheriffs Office.

• In 2025, the church accomplished a milestone of paying off a 25 year mortgage due to the pledge giving of our membership and leadership and accomplishing the vision of our Pastor to be a debt free ministry and able to focus on ministry and impacting lives.

• In 2025, a new organ was installed in the sanctuary, and remodeling to the fellowship hall including the addition of two new restrooms and renovation of our two lobby's including the north and south lobby areas with new carpet, painting and decor items.