Our History

Southside Baptist Church began in the summer of 1954 when several families gathered for a tent revival on land owned by R.K. and Mrs. Whitehead in the Lundy community. Led by Brother Jim Wooten, the revival sparked the formation of a congregation that officially organized on September 3, 1954, with 25 charter members and Reverend J.L. Hersey Jr. as its first pastor.

In 1955, members constructed a simple open-air sanctuary made from cypress poles, tar paper, and sawdust flooring. That same year, the church became Lundy Mission under the sponsorship of the Florida Baptist Convention and First Baptist Church of Palatka. The first church budget was just $50, and a young Betty Sanders became the church's first pianist. Land donated by the Whitehead family allowed for the construction of the church's first permanent building, completed in 1956.

In 1960, Lundy Mission became debt-free and formally organized as Southside Baptist Church. Over the following decades, the church experienced steady growth. A major turning point came in 1983 when Pastor J.O. McLeod was called to lead the church. Under his leadership, plans were made for a larger worship facility, funded in part through the annual "10/90 Campaign," which began in 1986 and continues today.

The current Worship Center was completed in 1990. After Pastor McLeod entered full-time evangelism in 1994, leadership transitioned to Pastor Carl Petty, during whose tenure the Vinson Building was completed in 1995. In 2000, Pastor Ray Johnson Sr. became pastor, leading the church through significant growth and the early payoff of the Worship Center mortgage in 2002. Under his leadership, the church also received its largest 10/90 offering in 2005.

Additional milestones included the renovation and dedication of Osteen Hall in 2010, the adoption of a new church logo in 2015, and the expansion of ministries under Associate Pastor Shaun Thomas beginning in 2016. On August 28, 2016, Brother James Alan Richie III was ordained and called as Youth Pastor.

Following the passing of Pastor Ray Johnson in January 2017 after 17 years of faithful service, Shaun Thomas served as interim leader before being unanimously called as Senior Pastor on June 11, 2017. Under his leadership, the church has continued to grow spiritually and physically.

Southside has also played a leading role in community outreach through the annual U-Turn event, which has become one of the largest Christian outreach events in the area and has led many people to faith in Christ.

Throughout its history, the church has continually improved its facilities, adding new classrooms, technology, ministry spaces, and community resources, including the Slaughter Pavilion ("Jack Shack"), office renovations, nursery upgrades, and connection to the city sewer system.

From a small tent revival in 1954 to a thriving congregation serving its community today, Southside Baptist Church's story is one of faith, sacrifice, growth, and God's continued blessings over more than six decades of ministry.