How it all started...
Our Story
Bates Hill was founded in the late 1800s under the leadership of Rev. W. C. Lewis, who preached the sermon that led to the organization of our congregation on October 15, 1885.
From that revival, friends and brethren came together to form what became Bates Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Through the years, many faithful men and women have served — pastors, elders, Sunday-School teachers, song leaders, and families committed to worship, community, and the gospel.
We thank God for those who labored before us, carrying the Word, shepherding the flock, and sustaining the church through changing times. Their faithfulness helped preserve a place of worship and fellowship that continues to this day.
Bates Hill was founded in the late 1800s under the leadership of Rev. W. C. Lewis, who preached the sermon that led to the organization of our congregation on October 15, 1885.
From that revival, friends and brethren came together to form what became Bates Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Through the years, many faithful men and women have served — pastors, elders, Sunday-School teachers, song leaders, and families committed to worship, community, and the gospel.
We thank God for those who labored before us, carrying the Word, shepherding the flock, and sustaining the church through changing times. Their faithfulness helped preserve a place of worship and fellowship that continues to this day.
Expanding the vision...
Bates Hill started as a small place with a big God. From the beginning, we have tried to be faithful with what the Lord placed in our hands. Over the years, we’ve prayed together, cried together, worshiped together, and watched God move in ways we never could have imagined. But as we step into 2026, we believe God is reminding us that He didn’t call us to simply remember where we started… He’s calling us to keep moving forward in faith. The same God who planted the seed is now stretching us to grow beyond what feels comfortable and familiar.
In 2026, we are expanding our vision — not to make our name greater, but to make Jesus known more clearly and more widely. We want to reach deeper into our community, disciple families more intentionally, strengthen our worship and teaching, and send people out to serve with boldness. We refuse to settle for “good enough” faith. We believe God is opening new doors, new ministries, and new opportunities to love people, preach truth, and build His Kingdom. Where Bates Hill started was beautiful — but where God is leading us next is filled with purpose, calling, and promise. And we are stepping into it together.
In 2026, we are expanding our vision — not to make our name greater, but to make Jesus known more clearly and more widely. We want to reach deeper into our community, disciple families more intentionally, strengthen our worship and teaching, and send people out to serve with boldness. We refuse to settle for “good enough” faith. We believe God is opening new doors, new ministries, and new opportunities to love people, preach truth, and build His Kingdom. Where Bates Hill started was beautiful — but where God is leading us next is filled with purpose, calling, and promise. And we are stepping into it together.
Where we are headed...
Where we are headed as a church is simple — deeper into Jesus and further into our community. We believe God is calling Bates Hill to be a place of truth, grace, and transformation, where broken lives are restored, families are strengthened, and disciples are formed. We are moving toward a church that doesn’t just gather on Sundays, but lives the gospel Monday through Saturday. A church that prays bold prayers, teaches the Word with clarity, serves with compassion, and loves people right where they are while pointing them to Christ. We’re not chasing programs — we’re pursuing the presence of God . And as we follow God’s leading, we believe He will use this church to shine His light in ways we haven’t even seen yet.
