How it all started...
Southside (Baptist) Church was founded in September 1950 following a series of evangelistic meetings held in a tent on the site of the present building. Meetings were conducted by Rev. Abraham Wright, home Missionary of the Southern Baptist Convention and Rev. Leo Belcher, Macoupin Associational Missionary. At the close of the meetings plans were made for services to continue in the home of Harry Saathoff.
In November 1950 construction began on a 24 x 28 foot church building. It was dedicated on the first Tuesday in May of 1951. The church was organized and approved by a Baptist recognition council on August 5, 1952. In 1953 the concrete building was poured 32 x 50 feet. Then in 1954 the new church building was dedicated. In 1978 there was a church split and it was a very painful time for the church during that season. A few months later, after not having a pastor, Ref. Eddie Diveley was hired on the first Sunday of September 1978. A few years later on April 29, 1981 the church by unanimous vote decided to take steps to break away from the Southern Baptist Association. On November 4, 1981 the word "Baptist" was removed from the church name and Southside became an independent, non-denominational church.
In November 1950 construction began on a 24 x 28 foot church building. It was dedicated on the first Tuesday in May of 1951. The church was organized and approved by a Baptist recognition council on August 5, 1952. In 1953 the concrete building was poured 32 x 50 feet. Then in 1954 the new church building was dedicated. In 1978 there was a church split and it was a very painful time for the church during that season. A few months later, after not having a pastor, Ref. Eddie Diveley was hired on the first Sunday of September 1978. A few years later on April 29, 1981 the church by unanimous vote decided to take steps to break away from the Southern Baptist Association. On November 4, 1981 the word "Baptist" was removed from the church name and Southside became an independent, non-denominational church.
Expanding the vision...
In 1967 restrooms were added and in 1969 there was an addition to the building for a kitchen. In 2000 work was started on additions to the north and south of the church as well as remodeling the sanctuary, kitchen, and fellowship hall. Work was finished in 2007 and the new sanctuary was dedicated on July 15 of that year. The kitchen had another remodel in 2014. In 2021 work began on renovating the bathrooms, nursery, and storage. It was finished in 2022.
Pastors of Southside Church
Aug 1952 - May 1978: Rev. Abraham Wright, Rev. Walter Miller, Rev. Clifford Belcher, Rev. Elmer Carter, Rev. Walter Miller, Rev. Dwight Waters, Rev. Pierce
September 1978 - August 2016: Pastor Eddie Diveley
September 2017 - August 2024: Pastor Nathan Diveley
August 2026 - Present: Pastor John Chandler
September 1978 - August 2016: Pastor Eddie Diveley
September 2017 - August 2024: Pastor Nathan Diveley
August 2026 - Present: Pastor John Chandler
Where we are headed...
Each Sunday our church continues to grow, so we are taking steps to build a new church building. Our focus though, continues to be investing in our church family. Those that have been at Southside Church through the years, those that have recently joined our family, and those that are still looking for their church home. As God starts a new chapter at Southside Church, we are believing God will continue to lead us as he writes our story.
