History

The History of South Side Christian Church

In the latter part of 1912 an effort was made to establish a Christian Church on South Kokomo. But after only raising a third of the money needed to purchase a lot, nothing more was done for nearly a year. In September of 1913, the group held meetings in a grove at the corner of Markland Avenue and Main Street until weather became too cold. Then after an investigation, the first building, a flat iron stable building at the intersection of Home Avenue and Union Street, was rented for $5.00 per month and 52 members became charter members with Allen Platt as the minister.

In 1915, the flat iron building was sold to Hoosier Oil Co., so the church building on Main Street was purchased. The membership grew from 250 members to become one of the largest congregations in the city with a membership of approximately 800.

With the need for more room and better equipment, they sought a new lot for a building. The lot on Markland between Home Avenue and Union Street was then purchased but the depression came. Finally in July of 1938, South Side Christian Church dedicated their newly erected building.

The Christian Women's Fellowship came into existence in the fall and winter of 1949-50 with the first combined meeting held on January 17, 1950. During the Sixties came the beginning of two worship services, worship attendance equaled and surpassed the Church School Attendance, outreach giving tripled and a new sanctuary was completed and dedicated. During the recent years, the church has came back to one service to bring closer to one another and to share the love of God.