HISTORY

Bro. William Stephens agreed to become the minister of this fledgling congregation. The Cole Mill leadership welcomed this new
congregation with open arms. Approximately 8 members of the Cole Mill family agreed to work with Bro. Stephens to help build the new
work. The Northside Church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL, where Bro. Stephens served as the full time assistant minister to Bro. Charlie
McClendon continued to pay his salary for the remaining months of 1982 (during that time, ten more precious souls were added to the
church).

With the liberating knowledge of continued assistance from Northside in hand, Bro. Stephens was able to solicit future financial support
from other places. God demonstrated His grace upon this congregation from the beginning, and God blessed Bro. Stephens to receive
financial support from eleven congregations, allowing him to serve in a much-needed full-time capacity. Groups of faithful members of
the Carver School Road (Winston-Salem) and the South English St. (Greensboro) congregations further supported the work by bringing
bus loads each month to help encourage the members on Sunday. This encouragement from outside inspired in the congregation a desire
to grow and develop spiritually. To this end, a Singles class, the Ladies' Bible Class, Family Enrichment Class, and New Member's class
were established to address the various needs of these groups and to supplement the pulpit ministry. An acappella ensemble was also
established early in 1983 to help spread the gospel through song.

Under the leadership of Bro. Stephens, God blessed the congregation to grow numerically and financially. In 1985, both minister and
members stepped out on faith, becoming fully self-supporting. Several congregations still desired to continue support of Southside. Funds
given were designated for the building program, and with this additional financial help we were able to purchase 5.3 acres of land in 1987.
For more history go to our next history page.
EVANGELIZE, EDIFY, & EDUCATE
IN 2008!!!
Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 4:11-12