Our History

The Eastside Church of Christ had its beginning in a little store building on Maple Ashe Avenue on May 10, 1953, with Brother F.H. Curtis speaking. Approximately 50 people were present and the contribution was approximately $150. Earlier in the year, the Riverside congregation (now North View) made the decision to go to Ninth Street and vicinity with the Gospel. Brethren Wayne Ball, Clarence Holman, J.C. Cheek, Howard Maxwell and Jimmy Wilson volunteered to go to do the work. The building was leased to Riverside for 12 months. If interest was sufficient, they would then build. In September of the same year, Clyde Balderson began work as the first regular preacher.

In October, 1953, the site of the present Eastside building was purchased from Ulna Huckaby. Dedication of the new building took place in December, 1954. Because of continued growth, additional classrooms were added in 1958, and a 500-seat auditorium was dedicated in 1968. Since that time, there have been structural changes here and there but the purpose and dedication of the people have been unwavering.

Eastside is presently overseen by four elders – DeWayne Hickman, Randy Jones, Jerry Wilson, and Jim Wilson. In addition, the church is served by eleven deacons. Presently, we have approximately 200 families on roll. Our current budget is $7,000 per week.

Ministers, who have worked with this congregation since its beginning, are brethren Clyde Balderson, Mel Dugger, Orlan Miller, Jerry Hill, Arnold Sexton, Thomas Salmons, Danny Lamb, Brown Foster, Jack White, Bill Weaver, Tome Harrison, Elmer Lusk, Kevin White, John Thomas, Joe Macer, Joseph Wells, and Cliff Butt.