A Rich History
Hill First Baptist Church is the oldest Black church in Athens, Clark County GA started in 1866 by emancipated enslaved persons. We are in the Reese Street Historic district just a few blocks from Downtown Athens. For as long as this church has been in existence, we have been a viable contributor to our community and to the city as it relates to the freedom and liberation of all people.
We seek to preserve our rich history by continuing to add to it. There is room in this story for your contribution. Our doors swing open on welcome hinges physically and virtually and we await all that you will bring to our congregation. We believe in strong public witness, liberative lens of biblical interpretation, and dynamic worship that appeals to your mind, body, spirit, and soul no matter your age.
One experience with us will prove to be transformational, and we thank God in advance. Come and see, stay and serve.
Our Pastor, Rev. Allison Henderson-Brooks
Pastor Allison Henderson-Brooks is our 25th Senior Pastor and is the first woman Pastor in our history. She is a 4th generation Baptist preacher with familial roots connected to the Historic First Bryan Baptist Church in Savannah, GA which is the oldest Black Baptist church in North America. Born in Augusta, Ga and reared in the south suburbs of Atlanta, Pastor Henderson-Brooks was formed by the preaching and leadership of her childhood pastor, the late Rev. Dr. Howard Creecy Sr. She accepted Christ at the tender age of 10 years old and has been preaching since she was 15 years old across this country.
Pastor Henderson-Brooks is passionate about social justice, community outreach, scholastic achievement and the inclusion of children, youth, and young adults in the rhythm of daily church life. Professionally, she has mastered the art of hospitality by serving in the disciplines of Operations Management, Performance Analytics and Revenue Management for three of the world’s iconic hotel brands.
Currently, she is the Assistant Dean of Students at Candler School of Theology at Emory University overseeing close to 500 masters and doctoral level students across seven degree programs.
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She is happily married to Andrew Brooks and they are the proud parents of an adventurous and inquisitive son, Andrew Brooks II.
Pastor Henderson-Brooks is a proud graduate of Atlanta’s historic Spelman College having earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Candler School of Theology at Emory University completing her Master of Divinity and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry at Memphis Theological Seminary.
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It is the honor of her life to serve as Senior Pastor of Hill First Baptist Church!