Our Story
Our History
The Southside Church of Christ officially began on the first Sunday in October 1982, with 14 members in attendance. The first meeting place for the congregation was the historic Old St. Joseph's church building.
From our humble beginnings to our present day, the Lord has added more than 1,500 souls through baptism, while several others have placed membership.
1982
Founded with 14 members
1,500+
Souls added through baptism
500+
Current faithful members
The Founding Years
The idea for a congregation to serve the inner city originated during a monthly brotherhood meeting. Bro. Clifford Davis, the founder of the "Back to the Bible Crusade," along with the elders of the Olga Avenue and Cole Mill Road congregations, sponsored a soul-winning campaign in Durham. During that time, several congregations supported the crusade; however, the Cole Mill Road congregation served as the host and sponsoring congregation.
Bro. William Stephens, of the Northside Church of Christ in Jacksonville, Florida, was a part of a delegation that traveled to Durham to help in the evangelistic efforts. Once it was decided to start a new congregation in Durham, Bro. Stephens agreed to become the minister. After much prayer, he, his wife Altamease, and their three children moved to Durham. For three years, Bro. Stephens received financial support from several congregations to support him in this missionary work.
Groups of faithful members from the Carver School Road (Winston-Salem) and the South English Street (Greensboro) congregations supported the work by bringing busloads of members each month to help encourage the members during worship on Sundays.
Early Ministry Foundations
To enhance the ministry, a Single's class, the Ladies' Bible Class, Family Enrichment Class, and New Member's Class were established. An a cappella ensemble was also established in 1983 to help spread the gospel through song.
Under the leadership of Bro. Stephens, God blessed the congregation to grow numerically and financially.
Building for Growth
1982–1987
Congregation meets at the historic Old St. Joseph's church building. During this time, 5.33 acres of land on Elmira Avenue are purchased for a future building.
1987–1990
Due to renovation plans for the St. Joseph's building, the congregation rents a building on Angier Avenue. Ground is broken for a new edifice in September 1990.
1991
In January, the congregation meets at Shepard Middle School to be closer to the anticipated building site. By the grace of the Almighty, Southside moves into its very first church building in June 1991.
1996
An addition is made to the building to accommodate the growing congregation.
2003
By God's grace, a fully equipped multi‑purpose building is erected at a cost of approximately $1.5 million.
2008
Southside establishes a child development center—today, a five‑star center serving families across Durham.
Southside Church Campus
5.33 acres on Elmira Avenue · Durham, North Carolina
Ministries & Leadership Development
Several ministries were established by the evangelist to address the needs of the church. The ministries established were Koinonia Group Ministry to emphasize the purpose and importance of caring for and sharing with one another; the Southside Ladies Involvement Ministry (S.L.I.M.) directed by Women's Counselor Sis. Ricki Fuller; an Education Department; a Youth Department directed by Youth Minister Bro. Chris Turner; and a College Campus Ministry.
Some additional ministries added as the congregation grew included Health, Community Outreach, Tutoring, Substance Abuse, Singles, Single Mothers, Blended Families, Grief Support, Door‑Knocking, Food Bank Ministry, Communications, a K‑4 through 5th‑grade private school, and much more. Every ministry has been established with the sole purpose of addressing known needs as well as helping to save and encourage souls.
1998
Six deacons ordained to serve the growing congregation.
2003
Four deacons ordained as elders; seven additional deacons ordained.
2006
Bro. Bryan Moss joins as Assistant Minister serving College and Single ministries.
A New Season of Ministry
In 2011, the Lord called Brothers Moss and Turner to serve as senior ministers at other congregations. In 2015, God saw fit to bring Bro. Orlander Thomas and his family to work alongside Bro. Stephens as Assistant Minister.
Due to retirement and relocation, there are currently no brothers serving as elders; however, ten deacons faithfully serve the congregation. In August 2020, Bro. Stephens retired, allowing Bro. Thomas to transition as the new Senior Minister of the Southside Church of Christ.
It has been the foresight of Bro. Stephens to transition in his lifetime in order to see the furtherance of the vision of the Southside Church of Christ carried out in a manner in which God will be pleased.
From humble beginnings to a thriving congregation.
What began with 14 members in 1982 has grown into a vibrant community of more than 500 faithful members, with 1,500+ souls added through baptism. We give thanks to God for His faithfulness and look forward to what He will continue to do through Southside Church of Christ.