The Testimony

When Dr. Frederick S. Hillier was considering establishing an endowment that would financially support continued American Baptist efforts, he naturally turned to the American Baptist Foundation (ABF). It was a logical decision since multiple American Baptist ministries had blessed him and the previous generation of his family. The Rev. Rick Barlow, an ABF Donor Advisor, provided valuable information that highlighted the Foundation’s superb management of endowment funds, which presently total more than $140,000,000. These represent wise estate planning decisions that have been made by individuals since the founding of the Foundation in 1985.

Rev. Barlow observes: “For two decades I have witnessed Dr. Hillier truly exemplify what it means to ‘pay it forward,’ as I connect people who care to ministries that matter. Our collaboration is also a reminder that we ABF Donor Advisors help establish plans that are not transactional only but relational also, which makes the difference for time and eternity."

Reasons for Showing Appreciation

Fred Hillier’s personal appreciation for American Baptist endeavors is traced to his being a recipient of a four-year undergraduate scholarship that made it financially feasible for him to attend Stanford University in Palo Alto, California from 1954 to 1958. He describes the impact of that American Baptist scholarship, saying, “It changed my life, and through this Frederick S. and Ann L. Hillier Family Legacy Endowment I have a way to express my appreciation to those whose generosity helped me.”

The seeds of that appreciation were also planted by American Baptist ministries that served Fred’s mother, Bertha Jonasson Hillier, and his father, Alfred Hillier. They benefitted his uncle, Steine Jonasson, as well. Bertha and Steine’s family emigrated from Iceland in 1901.

The Jonassons ventured from their initial location in the U.S. across the country to the state of Washington. Bertha later led her family to become active in the First Baptist Church of Mount Vernon, Washington.

Fred describes what happened next: “My mother earned enough money after high school for only a year at American Baptist-affiliated Linfield College.


Fred's Parents
First Baptist Church of Mount Vernon
Linfield College
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