Celebrating 100 Years of Our Church Building

A Century of Faith, Community, and God’s Faithfullness

On September 13th, 2026 Hillyer Memorial Christian Church celebrated a remarkable milestone: 100 years of worship, fellowship, service, and ministry within our beloved church building.

While our congregation began in 1915, the building that generations of Hillyer members have called home was completed in 1926. For the past century, these walls have held countless moments of worship, celebration, prayer, music, friendship, and service to our community. As we celebrate this milestone, we give thanks for all who came before us, rejoice in the ministry taking place today, and look forward with hope to all that God has in store for Hillyer in the years ahead.

Inside the 1926 Time Capsule

A Glimpse Into Raleigh 100 Years ago

Newspapers preserved from the 1920s provide a snapshot of the community surrounding Hillyer during the years our church building was taking shape. Explore the pages below to see the headlines, advertisements, prices, fashions, and everyday stories Raleigh residents were readings a century ago.

Hillyer’S Story in the North Carolina Christian

These pages from the North Carolina Christian show the growth of the Disciples of Christ across the state and offer a glimpse into Hillyer’s earliest years in Raleigh, from the church’s first property to plans for the new building.

The People Who Built The Church

These records include membership lists, Bible school classes, church officers, and other groups from Hillyer’s early years. Together, they tell the story of the people who formed the foundation of the congregation.

More from the Time Capsule

Along with newspapers, church records, and publications, the time capsule also held other pieces of Hillyer’s history, including a 48-star American flag, a New Testament, and early photographs connected to the church and its surroundings.