Ministers and Staff

Senior Minister - John McCoy

Among John's circle of friends there is a dragon named Dravor, a possum named Possibility and a delightful little bear who insists his name is Bear-Who-Smells-Like-He-Does. You see, besides being a pastor, John is a ventriloquist. He and his pals (especially Bear) enjoy their occasional visits with the children at church.

John holds a Master of Divinity degree (cum laude) from Christian Theological Seminary (1971), an A.B. degree from Indiana University (1967) and a certificate in French immersion studies from McGill University, Montreal, (1966). He grew up in Elwood, Indiana. A full-time Disciples minister since 1971, John came to South Side Christian Church in August 1999 after completing a fifteen and a half year ministry with the Hometown Christian Church, Chicago IL.

He and his wife Arlene (the musically talented one of the couple who serves as South Side's organist and choir director) have two grown children. Their daughter Ann is an accomplished artist and writer. She and her husband James Monroe and their three sons Zane, Innes and Felix live in Oregon, Wisconsin. Their son Ian lives in Itasca, Illinois with his wife Kim and their children Kaille, Andrew and Lauren. Ian is Senior Account Manager with Ticketmaster.

In addition to ventriloquism some of John's other outside interest include performing old-time radio shows, telling stories and celebrating all things Scottish.

John can be reached by e-mail, john@sschristianchurch.com or by phoning the church 9a.m.-5p.m., M-Th. (765) 457-9357.

Minister of calling - Charles M. Babcock

Chuck is a retired minister since 1998. He served as Senior Minister here at South Side from 1973 to 1983. He and Burnell have been married for 52 years and have three children, Jessica, Bruce and Linda. They also have seven grandchildren.

During the spring, summer and early fall, they are here in Kokomo. In the winter they reside in Arizona.

Chuck may be reached through the church office or by calling 765-868-9834.

Church Secretary - Susan Abresch

Susan can be reached by e-mail, secretary@sschristianchurch.com or by phoning the church 8a.m.-12a.m. or 1p.m.-4p.m., Monday through Thursday, 8a.m.-12a.m., Friday (765) 457-9357.

Church Organist/Music Director - Arlene J. McCoy

Church Custodian - Bill Trueblood