Blue Hills Baptist Church

Our Story

Our story is an incredible story of God’s faithfulness and work in Jackson County. Sometime between 1824 and 1826 a church was founded twelve miles from Fort Osage. As the oldest Baptist church in the Kansas City area, our church has loudly proclaimed the joys of following Christ and the transformative power of an encounter with Him through multiple wars, economic recessions, times of peace and times of economic boom. During this time, we have been known by several names: Salem Baptist Church, New Salem Baptist Church, and now Blue Hills Baptist Church. Over the generations we have seen thousands encounter Christ, and still thousands more serve Him faithfully in our church. Our story is one that has been ongoing for nearly two centuries, yet that is only a small part of the larger story of God’s work.

Our goal is for Blue Hills to see the Gospel of Jesus Christ make a transformative impact in eastern Independence. We want to see hurting people healed, broken families restored, children and students grow and succeed, addictions conquered, deliverance from despair, races reconciled, and crime drop. In short, we to be an agency of heaven here on earth. We believe that this happens as each of us encounters Jesus Christ and discovers his purpose in following Him. We want to invite you to be part of this larger story with us.

Your giving makes a real difference as we impact lives with the love of Christ. As our gifts come together both the fruit and your legacy is being multiplied. 

Thank you for joining along with many others in our church seeking to live the generous life. 


“Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 CSB