Our History

Hazelgreen Baptist Church History 1951 - Now

Seeking to establish a Baptist Church in an area that did not have one, Hazelgreen Baptist Church began as a mission out of Calvary Baptist Church in Harvey, IL in 1951. Their first meeting place was on the second floor of the Masonic Lodge located at 127th Street and Western Ave in Blue Island, IL. They incorporated as a church on June 17, 1951, with the name Blue Island Missionary Baptist Church with eleven charter members and called C.W. Dickerson as their first pastor. He was followed by a couple of more pastors. Later, they rented a storefront at 124th Street and Western Ave in Blue Island, IL with Irel Griffith as their pastor. Next, Alfie Leverett became pastor in 1955 and led the church in purchasing property at 5201 W 115th Street in what was then an unincorporated area known as the Hazelgreen Community. The church changed their name to Beulah Missionary Baptist Church at this time since they were no longer in Blue Island. This building was originally a train station bunkhouse where railroad workers slept and ate. It had been turned into a house, a small white wood frame building, by the time the church bought it in 1958. In 1960, the church called John C. Reed as pastor. He led the church to change the name to Hazelgreen Missionary Baptist Church after the unincorporated community that it was situated in. Later, the church purchased the property and house to the west to be used as a parsonage. Pastor John C. Reed led the church in a building program in 1975 which resulted in the original building being converted into a fellowship hall, covered in brick, and a new large brick building attached to the west side. He served as pastor for 21 years until his death on September 1, 1980. He was followed between 1981 until 2003 by Pastors Ronald Noffsinger, Marvin Dowdy, Robert Parnell, and Michael Stollard. Lastly, John R. Reed, son of John C. Reed, has served here as pastor from 2003 until the present. Over the years, the original Hazelgreen Community was annexed by Worth, IL, and later by Alsip, IL with the city mailing address changing several times. 

The church has seen many visitors and members pass through the doors over the past 74 years, 1951-2025. Many people have trusted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, followed by baptism into the church. Others have joined the church through a transfer of membership. A great deal of persons have surrendered or rededicated their lives to serve the Lord at Hazelgreen Baptist Church. Among the current members is someone who has been a member since 1956, and seven others since the 1960s. 

Hazelgreen has seen eight men in the church surrender to preach the gospel, two of which went on to pastor churches. Also, one man surrendered to become a missionary, one preached in a jail ministry, and another founded a Boy's Home. Most of these men also preached at local nursing homes. All preached at Hazelgreen and were called to fill in at other churches as needed.

Hazelgreen has always been a mission-minded church, fulfilling the Great Commission as found in Matthew 28:18-20. Along with witnessing to family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, Hazelgreen is currently supporting approximately 25 missionaries in the United States and all over the world, seeing numerous Missionary Baptist churches established as a result. One of these missionaries has been supported by the church since 1969 and another since 1975.

Hazelgreen has been involved in many ministries and activities since its beginning. Along with Sunday morning Sunday School there have been Sunday evening Bible Training Union classes, Discipleship Classes, Wednesday evening Bible studies and prayer meetings, visitation programs, Ladies Bible Studies and Men’s Fellowship meetings. Hazelgreen has had Wednesday evening Kings’ Kids, Awanas and Kid’s Club for the children. Bus ministries have brought in children and adults alike on Sundays. Also, yearly Mission Conferences are held with various missionaries attending and preaching. Hazelgreen has had a Jail, Pregnancy Center, and a Nursing Home Ministry. The Gideons are also supported here. Throughout the years, week-long revivals have been held with guest preachers attending. There have been choirs, special music, concerts, Christmas Programs, and a yearly Thanksgiving service. Also, yearly Vacation Bible Schools for the children have been conducted.

Even though the Lord’s work has always been the focus here, there has also been time to have fun and enjoy Christian fellowship. Hazelgreen has had a Cub Scout troop, played softball in a Christian league, Teen Clubs, Senior Citizen Breakfasts, Breakfast Fellowships, potluck dinners, God and Country Day picnics and games celebrating Independence Day. Each year, Vacation Bible School is ended with a special day or evening. One year all the children were taken to Santa’s Village Amusement Park for the day. Annual picnics with grilling and games have been held in the forest preserves or the parking lot of the church.

Hazelgreen Baptist Church has had a 74 year-long history of preaching and teaching God’s Word faithfully and caring about the souls of those within and without the church membership.

“Going to and teaching all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen”

And our prayer is that we may continue to do so until the Lord comes back again.