History

 

An Abbreviated History of HBC:

 

Heritage was founded on September 17, 1986 with 64 charter members. The original decision to start the church was made by six couples praying about the possibility of starting a new church in Prattville.  The first meetings were held in the community room of the Citizen’s Bank and later the church’s first home was acquired through a purchase of the old Wesleyan Church property on Highway 31.

Heritage, in its’ infancy, needed a name, of course. Ideas were thrown about but “Heritage” seemed to ring true among this group of believers. “For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.” Psalm 61:5

In 1987, the church called its first pastor, Rev. Roger Parks, who remains the only Senior Pastor to date. The first Youth Pastor was Rev. Ron Allen who was also a charter member of the church. Today Heritage has five employees including three full-time pastors and a Children’s Director. Presently, several additional ordained ministers hold their membership at the church along with five missionary families.

The church relocated to its present property at 1357 S. Memorial Drive in 1992 after land was purchased and a new facility constructed. Heritage has had two subsequent building programs with a Family Life Center added in 1999 and a second floor addition completed in 2007. In 2006 the church became and remains completely debt free. 30 years ago the church’s only assets were a set of hymnals and a briefcase jokingly referred to as “the office”. Today the church owns property and facilities valued at several million dollars.

The mission’s outreach of the church has grown dramatically since the first missionaries were supported in 1987. Today, over 60 missionaries and missionary projects are supported with over $300,000. given annually. A large percentage of the church family has participated in international missions trips. Exciting programs like Project Perissos, Operation Christmas Child and the annual missions conference keep the church family enthused about missions.

Due to the church’s close proximity to Maxwell Air Force Base, the church has always maintained a strong military outreach. Over 600 people (military and dependents) have passed through Heritage over the past two decades while they have worked at or attended one of the schools at Maxwell/Gunter AFB.  Heritage has always strived to be a place where military families would feel at home, be treated like family, have opportunities to serve no matter how long they might be staying, and be encouraged.

Though Heritage has enjoyed a remarkable history, the church family believes that its’ greatest days are ahead. We both “celebrate our past and embrace our future”.