Hillcrest-Bellefonte United Methodist Church History


Hillcrest traces its origin to a Sunday school organized on September 20, 1908. Initially meeting in Shellpot School House, it moved to the loft of the stable and carriage house of Martin Beadenkopf on Marsh Road where an organ and chairs were provided. Then a frame building was erected at the corner of Marsh Road and Hillcrest Avenue on a plot of ground given by Mr. Beadenkopf. The Sunday school moved into the building in May 1909. Rev. Charles D. Sharpless held evening services there until the annual meeting of the Wilmington Conference in March 1910, when the Rev. W. L. Jump was appointed the first pastor.

Hillcrest Church became a separate charge in March, 1912, with the appointment of Rev. T. H. Harding as pastor. Ground was broken in March, 1913 for the original stone building which is now the center stone section of the church. In August, the frame building was torn down and the lumber used for the new building. The stone was quarried from the ground where it stands. With seating for 125, the first service was held in February, 1914 and consecrated May 29, 1914 by Bishop T.B. Neeley of Philadelphia.

An expansion program inaugurated in 1942 was delayed during WWII. The lower level, fellowship hall with a stage and a new kitchen was completed and put into use in 1948. Later, the upper level Chapel with a pipe organ, a study to the left of the chancel and a ladies' parlor to the right was completed and dedicated in March 1952, by the Rev. George W. Goodley. The name was changed to Hillcrest Memorial Methodist Church in memory of Bishop Adna Wright Leonard and three young Hillcrest members who died in the war: Parker Smith, Eli Sheldon, and Harry Hickey. The Women's Society of Christian Service bought the stained glass rose window in the chancel and choir and over the years added stops to the pipe organ.

By 1954, membership had grown to 415 with 275 enrolled in Sunday school requiring new classrooms. As a result, the Education building was built and consecrated on October 20, 1957 by the Rev. Howell O. Wilkins. In 1958, a building committee was authorized to develop plans and secure financing for a larger sanctuary.

Groundbreaking for the new sanctuary took place on June 19, 1960 with Rev. Wilkins officiating. Presiding at the consecration ceremony on June 5, 1961, the Rev R. Jervis Cooke, District Superintendent passed the keys to the new pastor, the Rev. William O. Hackett. By now, the membership at Hillcrest was 786. A service of Thanksgiving and Praise was held in November to dedicate memorial items and the new organ. The Rev. Harold C. Jones was the speaker.

After being a separate charge for many years, the Bellefonte Methodist Church located about a mile away at the corner of Rosedale and Marion streets was placed on the Hillcrest charge in May 1963.

The Bellefonte church originated in 1919 under the leadership of the Rev. Hugh Kelso, the father of Madeline Dennis. After several worship meetings in a tent, ground was broken for a building which was dedicated in January 1920. Under the leadership of the Rev. Thomas J. Sard, a cornerstone was placed in August 1950 for a new Education building. Through the efforts of 130 members and friends, the structure soon housed the Sunday school.

Under the pastorate of Rev. Hackett, the two congregations agreed to merge. Becoming official in May, 1966, the name changed to Hillcrest-Bellefonte Memorial Methodist church. The Bellefonte property was sold in 1971 to the town of Bellefonte.

In April 1968, the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church merged and became the United Methodist Church; thus we were called Hillcrest-Bellefonte United Methodist Church. Church growth had peaked in 1962 and remained steady for several years. Farmland in Brandywine Hundred was developed into housing communities and other churches were built in outlying areas. Demographics changed.

Our sanctuary and fellowship hall now have access ramps. Internal usage is in keeping with the needs of the congregation and the community - we house our youth group, Girl Scout troops, Lions pride after school programs, we are the community food bank for clients referred to us. Dr. Jay Macklin came with Spirit and Truth Ministries to hold services in the chapel; and together with our Missions Commission, we formed the Circle of Love to serve needs to our immediate and greater communities. Our summer block party welcomes all our neighbors.

Our education, youth programs and Bible study receive devoted leadership from dedicated teachers and counselors. Our music program has many facets during the month, special gatherings and outreaches. The United Methodist Women deliver flowers, visit shut-ins, organize circles for study, and are on call for special needs. The trustees and others care for our property inside and out. The administrative council follows the programs and fills the many volunteer offices and assignments. The members of this congregation contribute generously, care deeply about one another and work well together respecting each other's talents and limitations. We especially appreciate the dedication and extraordinary abilities of our staff and laity.

We are a fellowship of caring people, supportive of one another, reaching out to people in our community, and way beyond, strengthened by the blessings of the Spirit of God.:.