Church History
Northside Baptist Church had its beginning when Missionary J. K. Hair, who was sent to Rock Hill by the Baptist State Mission Board, organized a Sunday School in Manchester (Mill) Hall in January, 1908. There were 14 present at the organization of the Sunday School. Eight attended the first preaching service. Members from the First Baptist Church, W. G. Nance, R. A. Tarlton, O. D. Riddle, and R. H. Deas were faithful helpers in the new Sunday School. Deas became its first superintendent.
It was Rev. J. K. Hair, in consultation with T. R. Marsh, pastor of the First Baptist Church, who decided on the name of the church. He then made plans immediately for the first building. Rev. Hair and Dr. Marsh went to see Alexander Long, president of the Aragon Mill, and after several conferences with him, the lot was selected, deeds secured, contractor employed and work was begun. It was understood that it should cost no less than $2,000.00. The building was completed in September, 1908 at a cost of $2,500.00.
From October 4 through 25, Northside had its first revival meeting. Dr. Marsh and State Evangelist J. E. McManaway did the preaching. On the night of October 16, the church was formally organized. Rev. J. K. Hair resigned in March, 1909 because of his health.
In June, 1909, Rev. Alexander Miller came from Duffie Street Church of Savannah, Ga., to be pastor of Northside, West End and Park Baptist churches, which formed a mission field. A month later these three churches were dedicated on the same day: July 8, 1909.
At the time of dedication, the church had 70 members and the Sunday School had an enrollment of 136. The total gifts reported at the first associational meeting after the organization of the church was $2,656.83. However, $2,400.00 of that amount was raised for the building. The amount given for operating expenses and missions was only $256.83.
The church continued to meet in the original building until the present auditorium and educational building was built in 1941. The new auditorium was dedicated in August, 1944.
Another building program, which included a three-story educational plant, a large recreational hall with stage and fully equipped kitchen and an eight-room pastorium, was completed in 1950. These buildings were built during the pastorate of Rev. J. J. Boone. In the summer of 1953, a six-room brick home adjacent to the church was constructed for the Director of Music and Education. In 1956, the building which houses the preschool and children's classes was constructed.
During the fall of 1980, a new heating system was installed in the sanctuary and educational buildings of the church. The sanctuary was also renovated.
Several missions were begun as a result of the evangelical ministry of Northside Baptist Church. Several of these missions became constituted churches. A yearly Mission Work in Jamaica was begun as well.
On January 1, 1987, Northside Baptist Church opened a Child Enrichment Center as a ministry to the parents and children of the city of Rock Hill.
In July, 1991, a Long Range Planning Committee was formed to develop the plans for an extended church complex on the present property site.
In 1992-93, the Long Range Committee worked diligently on plans and construction of a new parking lot on the west side of the church. The parking lot was completed in October 1993. A Yamaha baby grand piano was purchased in August 1993 and dedicated to the glory of God. Other projects in 1993-94 were relocation of the staff and church offices to the former parsonage, installation of a wheelchair lift into the sanctuary building, and a new sound system.
In September 1995, a new Allen organ was purchased and installed. Dedication and a concert by Mr. Timothy Belk were on October 1, 1995. The church elected a Missions Development Team to help involve the church and every member in mission endeavors.
Missions has always been the heartbeat of Northside. In 1996 a group went to Seymour, Wisconsin, to have backyard bible schools and revival with the First Baptist Church, Seymour. The summers of 1998 and 1999 our youth and chaperones participated in World Changers Projects in Columbia, South Carolina and Memphis, Tennessee. Church members are involved in ongoing mission projects through our prison ministry, the York County Christian Women’s Job Corp and the Children’s Attention Home.
Several important decisions and projects were accomplished in 1999. The first steeple on the present sanctuary, built in 1941, was installed. A dedication service is to be held in October at the Homecoming Service. A new church sign was constructed on the Dave Lyle Boulevard entrance at Aragon Street. The sign is a seven-foot masonry construction, crowned with a seven-foot cross. The Long Range Committee and the Properties Committee recommended that Northside Baptist Church enter a long range plan study with Edifice Construction, Inc. and McClure, Nicholson, Montgomery, and Severs Architectural Firm, both of Charlotte, NC. The church voted to proceed with this recommendation.
Beginning in January 2000, the sanctuary underwent extensive renovation. The sanctuary was painted, the light fixtures were refinished, pew cushions were added, and new carpet was installed. During this time the church held services in the Fellowship Hall. After three months of renovation, services resumed in the sanctuary on Easter Sunday Morning 2000. The breezeway awnings around the church were completely redone in March 2001.
The long range study revealed that the church was land-locked and needed a larger site on which to grow. In October of 2000, the church, after a long intense study, voted to relocate to larger site to accommodate a more modern facility with adequate parking. A Land Search Committee was elected by the church to search for a site suitable for relocation of the church plant. Bob Brakefield, Chairman, Tim Bennett, John Grantham, Elaine Guyton, David Mills, Sr. and Laura Trovinger served on this committee. Their task was to study parcels of land available and bring a recommendation to the church.
In February 2001, the church closed its Child Enrichment Center after 15 years of service to the community. The regulations for the buildings became overwhelming and cost prohibitive. After much prayer and heartache the church approved its closure.
In the summer of 2001, twelve members went to Little Rock, Arkansas, as a part of MissionFest 2001. The youth were also involved in missions as a part of PassPort in Orlando. Florida. Also in 2002, thirteen members went to Chattanooga, Tennessee as a part of MissionFest. The Youth also were involved in PassPort.
In 2000-2001 several changes were made in church staff. Mrs. Susie Harris, who had been Office Manager for thirteen years resigned. Mrs. Deborah Storin became Office Manager in November 2000. Reverend Don Hebert, Minister of Education, resigned in October 2000 after serving the congregation for 6 years. Reverend Kirk Jackson of Conroe, Texas, began September 1, 2001 as Minister of Education and Discipleship/Evangelism.
In August 2002, the church called Rev. Mark Moyer to be the Minister to the Youth. Mark and Pam's ministry brought marvelous results. After Mark resigned in 2004, Patrick Box served nine months as interim. Rev. Mark Thomas then served as Minister of Youth for one year though November 2005.
In January 2003 after a two year search, the church purchased 13.581 acres of land at the corner of Dave Lyle Boulevard and Red River Road, approximately three miles from the present sight.
March 2003 a new committee was elected to help with the fund-raising for land purchase and use of land in the future. The church continues to pray for God guidance and direction for her future. We know that God has great things in store for us as we strive to cause His Kingdom to increase.
Rev. Kirk Jackson resigned in June 2003 as Minister of Education. Kirk, Staci and Ian brought to Northside a renewed love for children's ministry.
Rev. Steve Ehrhart was called to serve as Minister of Education, Discipleship and Evangelism in March 2004. Steve was ordained by Northside in October of 2004.
After ten years of faithful service as Minister of Music and Worship, Mrs. Kim Vehaun resigned in February 2005. Kim had many accomplishments for the Lord during her tenure. The Allen organ was added, handbells were acquired and established as a part of our worship ministry, chimes for our children and many other elements of worship.
Mrs. Monica Vanscoy served for ten months as our Minister of Worship after Kim left. Her gifts and love for music helped us to continue in the tradition of good music done well to worship God.
Rev. Ehrhart resigned in July 2006 to work in the school system. Steve brought a love for teaching and learning as well as emphasis upon the need for administration and organization. Priscilla will long be remembered for her tireless work in our nursery. Her love for the babies and small children kindled a flame within that us that helped us see the need for doing this ministry well.
Rev. David Petro was called to serve as Minister of Education and Students in September 2006.
PASTORS WHO HAVE SERVED OUR CHURCH
Rev. J. K. Hair 1908 - 190
Rev. Alexander Miller 1909 - 1910
Rev. S. R. Brock 1911 - 1911
Rev. W. S. Walters 1912 - 1913
Rev. H. E. Hill 1914 - 1914
Rev. J. T. Going 1915 - 1915
Rev. W. D. Hammett 1916 - 1920
Rev. C. E. Thomas 1921 - 1921
Rev. T. A. Snyder 1921 - 1924
Rev. W. J. Sprinkle 1925 - 1931
Rev. W. M. Thompson 1932 - 1937
Rev. J. J. Boone 1938 - 1953
Rev. L. C. McKinney 1953 - 1959
Dr. J. R. DeLoach 1960 - 1965
Rev. J. E. Hames 1966 - 1972
Rev. Steve Rutledge 1973 - 1976
Dr. R. L. Willis 1976 - 1979
Rev. J. T. Brown 1980 - 1984
Dr. Roger L. Dalton 1985 - 1992
Dr. Jerry K. Sosebee 1993 -
