1940 - 1959

In 1943, a new pulpit minister was hired named Cecil N. Wright. He was a stocky built man with a calm, deep voice, and he preached at Highland for 4 years.

Then, in 1946, E. R. Harper arrived to be the new pulpit minister at Highland, and he served for 10 years. The church's annual budget had grown to $12,000, and the assemblies were once again crowded. An annex was built in 1947 which provided new classroom space and additional seating in the auditorium.

In 1952, during E. R. Harper's tenure as pulpit minister at Highland, two men came to the elders with a dream. James Walter Nichols and James Willeford envisioned a nation-wide radio program of presenting the Word of God. They called their program Herald of Truth. The concept was staggering to imagine. Like other churches that had been approached with the idea, the Highland elders were hesitant at first.

One good brother is known to have said, "I don't see how we can possibly afford to do it, but I can't see how we can afford not to!"

With the support of the membership and some men who personally underwrote the first expenses, Herald of Truth was born. Initially, James Walter Nichols was the featured speaker, often addressing the airways with a live telecast. The lessons were recorded on 78rpm records and sent to other radio stations for broadcasting. Each program began with the familiar phrase, "The Churches of Christ salute you!"

Near the end of Harper's tenure here, it was announced that a new 1,500 seat auditorium would be built. The construction contract was let to Choate Construction in 1956 for a little less than $400,000. The design of the half-moon shaped complex would be innovative, if not radical. Reports of laminated, exposed beams spanning over 100 feet were news of the day.

Coming as pulpit minister in 1957 was James Willeford, one of the founders and speakers for Herald of Truth. Willeford is credited with having visited in the homes of every Highland member. He knew every one by their first name, and he preached to the Highland congregation for 3 years.