About Us
Who we are
We’re a diverse, growing community on the west side of Saint John, brought together by a shared desire to love Jesus, care for one another, and serve our neighbours.
We are not a community of people who have everything figured out, but one continually being shaped by the Holy Spirit toward greater Christlikeness, deeper understanding, and more generous love.
Where we come from
Hillcrest originated on June 29th, 1959 when three churches, Ludlow Street Baptist, Charlotte Street Baptist and Fundy Heights Baptist voted to combine and form one new church. Because there was not yet a new building, worship services were held in the Charlotte Street facility until the current building was constructed. Dedication services were held on September 24th, 1961. A more detailed history of Hillcrest is available to download: HISTORY OF HILLCREST.pdf
How we're organized
Hillcrest is a congregation-led church. Our church members operate under the lordship of Jesus Christ and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, with every member having a voice in church affairs and decisions.
Hillcrest is also part of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada, which is a ministry partnership of around 400 Canadian Baptist churches in the Atlantic Provinces. CBAC's role is to be a resource for pastors, church leaders and members, and to facilitate shared mission on behalf of member churches.
What's at the heart of Hillcrest?
We believe every person bears the image of God and is worthy of love, dignity, grace, and belonging. Whatever your story, background, identity, family structure, or place on the journey of faith, you are invited to journey and to grow alongside us.
We know we will not always think alike, but we believe we can still worship together, learn from one another, and love one another well. Through worship, NextGen programs, serving, outreach, and everyday acts of care, we seek to live out God’s love in ways that bring healing, reconciliation, and hope—especially for those who have experienced exclusion or felt there was no place for them in the church.
What this means for you
What does this mean for you? Most importantly, you're always welcome at Hillcrest. We're saving a seat for you. Wherever you're at in your faith journey, you'll always be accepted as part of the Hillcrest family.