Dr. Henry C. Hilliard, Jr.

Our Minister Emeritus
Dr. Henry C. Hilliard, Jr. (Hank)


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Reverend Henry C. Hilliard, Jr.

Hank lives in Black Mountain, NC, but faithfully traveled the distance to Lincolnton for years while serving as interim minister for First Christian.

Hank's first sermon, "It Is Finished", was given on Easter Sunday, 1953. He was ordained by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1956. Hank's ministry includes twenty years in local churches and twenty years as an Army Chaplain. Additionally, he has been an interim minister on eight occasions, including a previous term with First Christian. These eight interims have been over a course of fifteen years.

Degrees earned include an AB from Barton College in 1956, a BD from Lexington Theological Seminary in 1960, an MS from Long Island University in 1971, and a DMin from Graduate Theological Foundation in 1993.

Hank's email is hhilliard1779@charter.net.

First Christian is proud to recognize Hank as our Minister Emeritus as of Sunday, October 26, 2008. His loyalty and service to our church have been outstanding and we look forward to continuing a strong relationship with him and his family.


Taken from the October 26, 2008 Recognition Service:

The Hilliard’s Ministry History with First Christian Church, Lincolnton, NC

The Hilliard History began with First Christian Church in Lincolnton, NC in the 1960’s, with Rev. Henry Hilliard, Sr. and his wife Hester serving First Christian church; they were also the first occupants in our parsonage. Rev. Henry Hilliard, Sr. retired from First Christian Church on December 31, 1967.
History continued with Dr. Henry C. Hilliard, Jr. serving First Christian Church from May 1999 until October 2003 and again January 2007 until October 2008. Over this period of time the Hilliard’s have been part of many lives and activities at the First Christian Church in Lincolnton and today we are honored to place another event into history by officially recognizing Dr. Henry C. Hilliard, Jr. as Minister Emeritus of First Christian Church in Lincolnton. We feel very proud and fortunate to have Hank continue to be part of our church family by accepting this position.

A Note of Thanks:

Hank’s ministry in Lincolnton has touched many lives by sharing times of joy, sadness, growth and challenges; the church family of First Christian Church offers a very loving thank you to Hank for his guidance, love, support and acceptance of us as he has walked with us on our faith journey.
Also to his family; Kathryn Hilliard (wife), Hester Hilliard (mother), and children: Lynne Talbot, Henry C. Hilliard, III, and Christine Hilliard, and their families who have offered him support and love as they shared him and his time so generously with us; we wish to extend a very warm THANK YOU.



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Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24


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This page was updated January 27, 2009.