1981:  Rev. Ralph Cline entered his heavenly home. The decade of 1980's at Zion Hill Baptist Church was filled with many emotions. The decade began sadly for the church family with the untimely death of Rev. Ralph Cline to cancer. During his illness, Rev. Ray Williams filled the pulpit.

1982:  The church called Dr. Melvin Faulkner as interim. During Dr. Faulkner's service, the church completely remodeled the basement and sanctuary into the beautiful facility we enjoy today.

1984:  Licensed Greg Johnson to preach the Gospel.

1985:  The church set apart Roy Bradford, Jeff Johnson, Donnie Reed, and Carroll Trentham as deacons. They were ordained August 25, 1985.

1986:  Dedicated the newly remodeled sanctuary. The basement was completely remodeled. A fellowship hall was created from the hallway and two classrooms. New carpet and panelling were added along with new lights and a drop ceiling. The sanctuary was completely remodeled with all new lighting, pews, altar furniture, choir loft, and carpet. Worship services were held in the fellowship area while the sanctuary was remodeled. We enjoyed close fellowship!

1987:  The Rev. Philip Lane came to Zion Hill as pastor. He was born Nov. 13, 1944, in Murfreesboro, TN, to Paul & Erline Lane. He was saved when he was 16 years old. He is married to Fay Thompson and together have three sons. He felt the Lord calling him to preach in 1980. He has pastored 3 churches.

1987:  Hosted the Wednesday session of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the Sevier County Association of Baptists. Dr. Joe Wren, pastor of the FBC Sevierville, was moderator. Dr. W. W. Cope, pastor of FBC Pigeon Forge, brought an inspiring message based on the 11th Article of Faith, Evangelism and Missions, from Numbers. The Ladies of Zion Hill provided a sumptuous lunch. So much food was left that we enjoyed a fellowship meal before prayer meeting that night.

1988:  The beautiful baptistery scene was painted by Randall Ogle.

1988:  Church filled to capacity during revival services led by William Boyd Bingham, Jr., of Middlesboro, KY.

1988-89:  Purchased Zion Hill School property and began construction of a pastorium to provide a home for the pastor.

1988-89:  First church directory completed.

1988-89:  Amy Connatser and Beth Loveday represented the church in the State Bible Drill and were State Perfect winners.

1988-89:  Zion Hill Baptist Church took the "M" Night banners for High Attendance in 1983, 1984, and 1985. The church also received banners for "M" Night Efficiency Attendance in 1983 & 1984.

1988-89:  Richard D. Land, head of the Christian Life Commission, preached and reported on the work of the Commission. He is currently President of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.