In 2025, we invite you to join us in commemorating a historic milestone: the 75th anniversary of Great Hills Church, a legacy rooted in faith and devotion since its founding in 1950. What began as a humble house church in central Austin has grown through decades of God’s faithfulness, even as names and locations evolved. The steadfast commitment of those early Christ followers laid the foundation for our enduring mission, their spiritual DNA woven into the fabric of who we are today.
This celebration is a profound opportunity to reflect on our rich history and God’s unwavering goodness. Over the past three-quarters of a century, His mercy has sustained us, guiding our journey through every change and challenge. We will honor this legacy with a weekend of heartfelt worship, prayer, and joyful fellowship, looking back at the milestones that shaped us. Together, we’ll exalt Christ by celebrating our storied past, giving thanks for the present, and embracing a bold vision for the next 75 years. Join us as we pay tribute to our heritage and praise God for His enduring hand upon our church.
A Day Packed with Fun for All Ages
From 4:00 PM, our church grounds will transform into a festive hub of activities celebrating our storied past and vibrant present. Children will delight in a variety of engaging attractions:
-
Face Painters: Professional artists will create colorful designs, turning kids into their favorite animals, or superheroes.
-
Petting Zoo: A hands-on experience with friendly animals offering kids a chance to connect with God’s creation.
-
Bounce Houses: Multiple inflatables themed to reflect our church’s journey, providing endless fun and energy for young ones.
-
Arts and Crafts Area: A dedicated space where children can create keepsakes inspired by Great Hills’ history.
Capture the Moment & Commemorative Merchandise
Step into our themed photo booths to capture memories that honor our past and present. One booth will recreate a 1950s house church setting, complete with vintage hymnals and decor, while another will feature a modern Great Hills backdrop with our current sanctuary. These photo opportunities will allow families to take home a piece of our history, celebrating how far God has brought us. Celebrate our milestone with exclusive 75th anniversary merchandise available for purchase. From T-shirts and coasters featuring our original logos, these unique items are perfect for cherishing the legacy of Great Hills.
Family Dinner and Fellowship
At 5:30 PM, gather for a family dinner that echoes the communal meals shared by our founding members. Savor classic American favorites like juicy hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the fixings. Enjoy your meal in the comfort of the Great Hall, surrounded by old and new friends or dine outside in the Garden of Hope as children play nearby. Though not required, we ask that you register for your meal to ensure there is enough for everyone.
Reflecting on Our Roots
For those eager to reminisce, we’ve reserved a cozy space for storytelling and fellowship. Here, longtime members and newcomers alike can share memories of Great Hills’ beginnings, from its humble house church origins to its growth through decades of faith. Archival materials, including photos, videos and records from 1950 onward, will be on display to spark conversations and connect generations. This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of God’s work in our community and to pass these stories on to the next generation.
Join us for as we start off our Saturday as a day of joy, reflection, and celebration as we honor 75 years of God’s sustaining hand on Great Hills Church. Together, we’ll look back with gratitude and forward with hope, united in faith and fellowship.
Saturday's 75th Anniversary Celebration Service
On Saturday at 7:00 PM, we will gather in the Worship Center for a momentous 75th Anniversary Celebration Service, a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of Great Hills Church, founded in 1950 in central Austin. This gathering will unite former and current members in a powerful expression of worship, glorifying God for His unwavering faithfulness over the past three-quarters of a century. A special Great Hills choir, composed of both current and former members, will fill the sanctuary with beloved hymns that have echoed through our church’s history, connecting generations through songs of praise that have anchored our faith since our humble beginnings. We will also be joined by a guest choir, whose voices will amplify our celebration. Throughout the service, we will share inspiring video presentations that weave together cherished memories, archival footage, and stories from Great Hills’ past, vividly illustrating God’s sustaining hand through every season of our journey. Together, we will honor our heritage, exalt Christ for His faithfulness, and look forward with hope to the future He has planned for our church.
Celebration After Party
Following the 7:00 PM Celebration Service, we invite everyone to join us for a lively After Party on our campus, a joyful continuation of our 75th anniversary festivities. The grounds will remain open, offering a vibrant atmosphere to connect with fellow members, past and present, and celebrate our shared history. Capture the moment at our imaginative photo booths, each designed to reflect milestones from our church’s legacy. Explore our exclusive 75th Anniversary merchandise, featuring items like vintage-inspired T-shirts, allowing you to take home a piece of our storied past. The highlight of the evening will be our Silent Disco, where you can slip on headphones and dance to a curated selection of music that spans our church’s history and resonates with our community. Enjoy tracks from 2000s Nostalgic Christian Music that defined a generation, timeless Legacy Worship songs that have carried our congregation through decades, and energetic Student Worship favorites that reflect the passion of our youth. This unique experience will unite all ages in celebration, as we honor God’s faithfulness and look forward to the future of Great Hills Church with joy and gratitude.
Sunday Fellowship
On Sunday morning, October 5, we invite you to join us for a meaningful start to the final day of our 75th anniversary celebration. Beginning at 9:15 AM, the Great Hall will open its doors for a warm time of fellowship, where current and former members can reconnect and share stories of God’s faithfulness over the past three-quarters of a century. Savor the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and indulge in a delightful spread of delicious donuts, thoughtfully provided to foster a sense of community as you reminisce and forge new bonds with fellow Christ followers.
Prayer & Worship Service
At 10:00 AM, we will gather in the Worship Center for a sacred time of prayer and worship, dedicated to exalting the Lord for His unwavering faithfulness throughout our 75-year journey. This service will be a heartfelt expression of gratitude, with intentional moments to praise God for His sustaining hand and to seek His continued blessings as we look toward the future with hope and trust. Our worship will be enriched by contemporary praises that celebrate God’s presence in our past and His promise for the years ahead. Together, we will lift our voices and hearts, uniting in a powerful moment of worship that exalts God and entrusts the next chapter of Great Hills Church to the Lord’s faithful guidance.
Sunday Lunch
As we conclude our 75th anniversary celebration weekend on Sunday, September 7, 2025, we invite you to join us after the morning worship service for a wonderfully prepared BBQ lunch, a fitting finale to honor the legacy & future of Great Hills Church. This communal meal, served in the Great Hall and extending to our outdoor spaces, will bring together our church family to savor the rich flavors of classic Texas BBQ, featuring tender brisket and all the traditional sides, reflecting the warmth and hospitality that have defined our community. As we gather to enjoy this feast, we’ll reflect on the joy and gratitude of the weekend, celebrating God’s faithfulness through decades of fellowship and ministry. Additional opportunities will be available to capture the moment at our creatively designed photo booths, allowing you to preserve memories of this milestone celebration. You can also browse and purchase exclusive 75th anniversary merchandise, offering a tangible way to carry forward the spirit of this milestone weekend. Join us for this heartfelt gathering as we close our anniversary celebration with gratitude, unity, and anticipation for the future God has in store for Great Hills Church.
Purchase 75th Ann. Merch!
Coming Soon!
Examples of some of the available merch:
Do you have a story you would like to share about Great Hill's history?
Do you have pictures or a historical document about Great Hill's past?
Click the image to submit your story or picture!