A brief history of Southside and it's Ministers
Southside Christian Church
Founded 1921
A tent meeting was held in south Jacksonville in late 1921, sponsored by other congregations, a Sunday School was organized by First Church in 1922 that met in the home of H.P. Ayers, Led by J.T. Boone they moved to the Odd Fellows Hall, then moved to the Women’s Club in November 1922 with no definite Minister. .
Rufus A. Russell assisted in organizing this group as a congregation of the Christian Church. After 6 week tent meeting in 1923 led by Roy L. Brown a state evangelist, the congregation began to grow and the congregation received Regional Support and moved into their first permanent place of Worship. The newly enlarged congregation built a modest frame building on the corner of Pine and Palmetto. This building served as their place of Worship for the next decade. The church was named "The First Christian Church of South Jacksonville"
Ministers who have served our congregation
1922 to 1924
Thomas H. Lipscomb
*
1924 to 1926
Rev. Galager, & Ralph Ogden
(Student Minister)*
1926 to 1930
Rufus A. Russell
Russell became the first full time Minister, who served until his death in 1930
*
1930 to 1939
Carl R. Leavitt
In 1932 the church was renamed "Russell Memorial"
In 1932 the congregation moved to LaSalle and Belmonte
and in 1933 was renamed "Southside Church of Christ"
In 1938 the church was renamed one last time and became
"Southside Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)"
*
1940 to 1942
Errett M. McCleary
1941 the congregation added a Sanctuary to the property at LaSalle & Belmonte
.*
1943 to 1945
Sam I. Smith
*
1946 to 1950
William J. Johnson
*
1951 to 1956
LaVern Preston
In 1953 the congregation added an education unit. In 1954 Southside
reported it’s largest number of members in the church’s history of 254
*
1956 to 1957
William A. Young
*
1958 to 1960
Melton Bonner
*
1961 to 1978
LaVern Preston
*
1968 Sold property at LaSalle & Belmonte to purchase new
property on Atlantic Blvd. The congregation held services at Peeler Memorial Methodist Church for 2 years
then joyfully dedicated the first unit in December 1970, including an Outdoor Chapel
with a stone communion table made from rocks from many different states
and foreign countries that were contributed by members and friends of the congregation.
Another unit was built in 1973 to add class rooms for education.
Shortly a third building was added for more education programs and scouting programs.
1978 to 1990
B. Fred Woolsey
*
1991 to 1996
Warren Jones
*
1998 to 2006
Ronald & Sandra Stroh
*
Current Pastor since 2007
Gary Luallin
In 2008 the congregation decided to form a Vision 2028 team to help the congregation put into action the "Vision" they had for Southside over the next 20 years. Since 1973 the church had remained the same with no major renovating or remodeling. The inside appearance was becoming worn and uninviting. The church property had become over grown with trees and brush. It was not safe for anyone to roam the property or go near the river. With the leadership of Walter Barrett, and the support of all the members of the church they have been working hard to give Southside a much needed face lift. In the last 4 years the Sanctuary has been completely remodeled, with new sound system & sound room, pews, enlarged stage, new keyboard, & new carpet. Now used by 3 congregations. The old education building no longer being used was transformed into a beautiful large fellowship hall with a large kitchen. This building can now seat over 150 people comfortably, no more eating in the Sanctuary. This room has since hosted dinners, Fall Festivals, Memorial Services, Receptions, Parties and Showers. The 3in1 building was very run down over the years from the wear from the years of Day Camp. Since work began they have replaced the carpet, with tile, and completely remodeled 2 nursery rooms and the restroom. The "Scout Lodge" used as a storage room was transformed, with an air conditioning unit, repairs to the fireplace, and has been used for Youth, Scouts, and many parties ever since. This building is now called the "Son Lodge". The Pastor's office and the front office have been completely remodeled and so has the old Library, now a bright open Conference Room. The property has been cleared and grass has been planted. We have new roofs on all the buildings. There are big plans for the parking lot and outside appearance of the buildings in the near future. The church is now visible from the road and more welcoming to visitors. There is a definite since of renewal at Southside, and we are only 4 years into our original 20 year vision. Visit our tour of the church online to see these changes.