About the congregation at North Highlands
The North Highlands congregation began in December 1956, with approximately thirty
members. The congregation began meeting in an old ski factory on the comer of Hemlock and
Mulberry Street (the current Hispanic building). In the early days prominent preachers came to
Russellville to assist the new congregation. These included: George DeHoff (who had preached
at Washington Avenue), G. K. Wallace, Maurice Howell, Ermon Bain, Van Bradley, C.C .
Bums, and Guy N. Woods. In 1958 a preacher's house was constructed beside the building. By
1965 the renovated ski factory was no longer sufficient to meet the needs of a growing
congregation. January 2, 1966 the North Highlands congregation moved into its new facilities.
That building still serves as the core of our facilities today. On April 21, 1996 dedication
services were held for our current building. The expansion project completed in 1996 added a
large fellowship area, fifteen additional classrooms, new offices, library, and nursery. The
auditorium was also renovated and expanded in 1996.
In addition to the main building, the North Highlands congregation has renovated the
old preacher's house on the back of our property and our Hispanic preacher and his family
resides there. The old ski factory that was our original building is now the home of the Hispanic
Church of Christ.
North Highlands has been committed to sharing the Gospel with others. Our budgets
have consistently shown an increase in the amount dedicated to mission work. Currently nearly
25 percent of our budget is directed toward efforts to evangelize our world.
Elders who have served at North Highlands include: Edmund Cagle, William
Champion, A. H. Crisler, Troy Fennel, J. H. Foster, Don Garrett, Nello Greenhill, J. Foy Guin,
Jr., J. Foy Guin, Sr., Thurman Jones, C. C. Kindig, Fred Lowery, Aaron Pounders, Bruce
Simpson, John V. Turbyfill, and Ralph Underwood. Current Elders are: Bob Chaffin, James
Clement, and Mickey Spillers.
Preachers who have served at North Highlands: Ernest Clevenger (1957-1963), Mark
Tom Hicks, Sr. (1964), Frank Young (1965-1968), Duke Gregory (1969), Fred Winslett (1969),
George Marshall (1970-1974), Clarence Denny (1974), Charles Curtis (1974-1980), Charlie
Britnell (1980-1981), Edmund Cagle (1981-1998). Garvis Semore (1999-2001), and Keith
Barnett began his work here in February 2002.
Additional men have worked with the North Highlands congregation on both full-time
and part-time situations. Those men include: Terry Michaels, Don Richardson, Gary Sorrells,
Clayburn Smith, Charles Coil, Jr., Dale Andrews, Garry Mahan, Jack Henson, Robin Dunaway
and Philip Goad. Thomas Cochran and Jeff South began their work at North Highlands in
November 2006.
Rafael Barrantes and his family came here in 2001 and began a Hispanic congregation.
After, Rafael's departure to work in Jackson, TN. Juan and Laura Garcia came to work with us
from Peru. The Hispanic congregation meets in the building behind the church (the old ski
factory) for their worship.
The congregation has grown steadily over the years and now brings together about 300
each Sunday. North Highlands has been instrumental in spreading Christianity throughout our
city, county, state, nation, and into all the world.
