According to Elsie Johnson Ayres ("Hills of Highland," 1971), 1895 was a noteworthy year for Hillsboro. Aside from the construction of the opera house, the old Presbyterian Church was razed and the cornerstone for the new church, which still stands on the site today, was laid. The trustees took possession of the new waterworks plant, and the Columbus and Maysville Railroad suspended operation, only to resume again 17 days later.