History
Northside Baptist Church History
In 1977, a group of Christians met to pray and discuss the need for a place to worship. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Rucks volunteered their home as a temporary meeting location, and on Sunday, March 27, 1977, the first service was held with twenty-eight people in attendance. As the group continued to meet, they selected the name of Northside Baptist Church.
Rev. Don Locke was asked to serve as “Supply Pastor,” which he did until his increased evangelism duties forced him to resign. Rev, Henry Slone then served as Supply Pastor, and led in a great way. The group saw a need to establish a church. At that time, a letter was submitted to the “Big Lake Baptist Association” requesting membership. Northside Baptist then became a member under their watchful care.
On July 3rd, 1977, Northside Baptist was constituted into a Southern Baptist Church with Dr. Wade Armstrong of West Palm Beach officiating and delivering the charge to the church. Mr. Homer Wall of Indiantown, delivered the Dedication Prayer.
Rev. Henry Slone was called as the Interim Pastor, and the church continued to gather at the Rucks’ home until the Holy Spirit led the church to look for property on which to construct a building. The trustees of the church boarded a station wagon on a beautiful afternoon, and prayed that God would lead them to the right property where a Church would please Him. God answered their prayers, and the property on 98th street was purchased and donated for the new Church building, where God would be glorified.
In January 1978, a $10,000 loan was secured from the Florida Baptist Convention, and the building began. Many people labored, and on March 25, 1979, the first service was held with a membership of forty-two people. A fellowship dinner was held and the dedication message was delivered by Rev. Don Locke. Rev. Slone continued to serve as Pastor until ill health forced him to resign during the early part of 1981. When Rev. Slone’s health improved, he asked to be reinstated, and the church chose to do so. However, his health continued to fail, and shortly thereafter, Rev. Slone had to resign.
The Church sought God’s guidance in selecting a pulpit committee to locate a new Pastor. Rev. Fred Hodges was called, and he began serving on July 19, 1981, and was ordained on October 26th, 1981. The church continued to grow and the membership reached eighty-four, as God continued to bless Northside Baptist Church. Following Rev. Hodges, Rev. Jim Hardaker served for a period of time, during which the Fellowship Hall was built. After Rev. Hardaker’s term as Pastor, Rev. Dallas Enfinger served as Pastor. During his term, the Sunday School Wing and Pastor’s study were built. Rev. Curtis Jarvis was then called as Pastor, followed by Rev. Dale Pearson, and Rev. Tommy McGee as Associate Pastor.
At the Wednesday night Prayer Meeting Service on May 14, 2002, Rev. Arlen Cook delivered his first message at Northside Baptist Church. In 2007, during his tenure, the Fellowship Hall has been enlarged, and In 2008, the front porch was extended to add the covered drop-off area.
In November of 2012, Rev. Richard (Rick) Giles began Pulpit Supply and Interim Pastor at Northside Baptist Church. On July 10, 2013 the Church unanimously called Rev. Rick Giles as Pastor. God continues to bless Northside Baptist Church!