How it all started...
Southside Baptist Church began as a mission of First Baptist Church of Fayette on October 13, 1957, during the Southern Baptist Convention’s “30,000 Campaign,” which encouraged establishing new congregations. Rev. Billy Gene Colston, a ministerial student at Howard College, served as the mission’s first pastor. The congregation initially worshiped in a small facility on 10th Street Southwest. Eleven people attended Sunday School following the opening revival. On November 28, 1957, Southside was formally organized as an independent Baptist church, with 11 members and one new convert.
From its beginnings as a small mission congregation, Southside Baptist Church developed a sustained emphasis on biblical instruction and congregational participation while maintaining a commitment to evangelism and community ministry. These historical priorities remain evident in the church’s current ministry structure, including Sunday small groups and corporate worship, Wednesday discipleship opportunities for multiple age groups, and service opportunities within the congregation and the surrounding community. Southside's mission statement is to love God, love others, and make disciples. This mission provides a foundation for the church’s current commitment to strengthening discipleship and developing leaders to participate in the congregation's ongoing work.
From its beginnings as a small mission congregation, Southside Baptist Church developed a sustained emphasis on biblical instruction and congregational participation while maintaining a commitment to evangelism and community ministry. These historical priorities remain evident in the church’s current ministry structure, including Sunday small groups and corporate worship, Wednesday discipleship opportunities for multiple age groups, and service opportunities within the congregation and the surrounding community. Southside's mission statement is to love God, love others, and make disciples. This mission provides a foundation for the church’s current commitment to strengthening discipleship and developing leaders to participate in the congregation's ongoing work.
The Charter Members are as follows:
- Rev. & Mrs. Bill Colston
- Mr. & Mrs. J.C. Gary, Sr.
- Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Branyon
- Mr. & Mrs. M.L. Smith
- Mr. & Mrs. Fred Wilkerson
- Mrs. Ernest Boling
- Mrs. Burl Terry
- Mrs. Elon Phillips (new convert)
The Pastors for Southside Baptist Church are as follows:
- Bill Colston 1957-1959
- J. P. Ables 1959-1961
- Jerry Robinson 1961-1970
- Fred Donovan 1970-1973
- George Henley 1973-1977
- Wayne Futral 1977-1986
- Scotty Hogan 1987-1993
- Stan Prewitt 1993-1998
- Robert Parrish 1999-2025
- Kent Shepherd 2025-Present
Serve the Church...
Our weekday and weekend gatherings take many people to make them work, from ushers and greeters to youth and adult group leaders, care ministry workers, and everyone in between.
We believe the church is more than a place to attend. It is a family where we grow in faith, encourage one another, and serve Christ together.
No matter your age or stage of life, we want to help you find a place to connect and become involved. From Sunday morning Small Groups to Midweek Bible Studies and ministry gatherings, there are many opportunities to build relationships and grow in your walk with Jesus. We invite you to take your next step and get connected at Southside Baptist Church.
No matter your age or stage of life, we want to help you find a place to connect and become involved. From Sunday morning Small Groups to Midweek Bible Studies and ministry gatherings, there are many opportunities to build relationships and grow in your walk with Jesus. We invite you to take your next step and get connected at Southside Baptist Church.
serve the city...
At Southside Baptist Church, we are committed to building meaningful relationships and developing intentional partnerships that allow us to serve alongside the work God is already doing in our community. Through local outreach, service opportunities, and partnerships with community ministries, we seek to share the love of Christ in practical ways. Our desire is to make a lasting difference by meeting needs, building relationships, and sharing the hope of the Gospel.
