Due to a bond referendum and renovation plans for the St. Joseph's Historical Building, the congregation was forced to find a new
meeting place. For approximately three months, the Cole Mill Road congregation shared their facilities with Southside, and this
arrangement worked very well. On Sundays Southside met during the afternoon and on Wednesdays Bible classes were combined.
In December of 1987, the congregation found a building to rent on Angier Ave. In July 1990, we issued a $350,000 bond program
wherein all bonds were sold in approximately four months. We broke ground for the building of our new edifice in September 1990.
In January of 1991, we began meeting at Shepard Middle School to be closer to our anticipated meeting place. It was a time that
brought about excitement and revived the members of Southside. By the grace of the Almighty, we moved into our very first church
building in June 1991. As the congregation grew the need for space became more demanding. Therefore, in August of 1996 we
completed a $250,000 addition/renovation to our building. Also in 1996, we purchased a 29 passenger bus. We have also been
blessed to purchase two parcels of land next to our property, and we purchased two (2) houses diagonally across the street from our
church building. Also by God's grace, we have erected a fully equipped multi-purpose building at a cost of approximately $1.2
million in 2003.

With the assistance of administrators from Quality Education Institute and Quality Education Academy in Winston-Salem, North
Carolina, QEI-Durham began its journey to educate and nurture young minds in July 1998. Since that time, QEI students have
consistently scored at and above grade level on national standardized tests since its inception. QEI-Durham is certified by the State
of North Carolina with current activity to achieve accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting
body that assures the quality of education, administration, and student services provided by some of the South's most prestigious
colleges and universities. QEI began with 3 students and currently has 91 students enrolled.

For a number of years the congregation had a special quorum of men selected by the congregation and appointed by the minister to
assist him with the work. Without having elders and deacons, this was the most effective way for the congregation to handle its
business affairs. Different needs developed as the congregation continued to grow, and we were blessed to ordain six deacons in
1998 to serve in different areas and meet the needs of the members. In 2003, the Lord blessed us to ordain four elders and seven
additional deacons. Several programs and committees were also established to address the requirements of the church. In addition to
the elders and deacons we have 17 Koinonia Group Leaders, an effective and vibrant Southside Ladies Involvement Ministry
(S.L.I.M.) which is directed by our Women's Counselor and five dedicated advisors, a thriving Educational Department with two
directors and 10 hardworking Department Heads; a very focused and committed youth department directed by our Youth Minister
and five determined advisors; a thriving College Campus Program directed by the minister and seven energetic advisors. Some of our
ministries include: Health Ministry, Community Outreach, Tutoring, Substance Abuse, Singles, Single Mothers, Marriage
Enrichment and Blended Families, Door-Knocking, Music, and more. Each ministry is established with the sole purpose of helping
to save souls.
From our humble beginnings to now, the Lord has added more than 1500 souls through baptism, while several others have placed
membership. Today, our average attendance is approximately 200 in Sunday school, 450 for AM worship, 250 in PM worship, 230
in Midweek Studies. Future plans include retaining and restoring the membership, the acquisition of other properties, soup kitchens,
homes for the elderly and for unwed mothers, additional staff, job placement services, the building of a new sanctuary, and
expansion of our school, Quality Education Institute of Durham (Q.E.I).

As always, in reference to past accomplishments, present blessings and the fulfillment of future plans we say, "To God Be the
Glory"!

Go back to our history page.
HISTORY CONT'D
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
IN
2009!!!
Matthew 5:16