History of the Northside Church of Christ
by Leo Creel
The Northside Church of Christ in Hanceville, Alabama had its beginning August 21, 1970, with eight families meeting in the home of James and Laura HARRIS in Hanceville, Alabama. Jerry THOMPSON was the treasurer, G.W. SELVAGE was the song leader, Jack MITCHELL and James HARRIS were teachers and U.L. Allen was the preacher at the time. At the time there were about 25-30 present at the first service. Brother U.L. ALLEN started preaching for Northside on September 6, 1970. Thanks to the faith, encouragement and foresight of Brother ALLEN who sold his bonds to later build the building.
In 1971 U.L. ALLEN loaned money to buy the property for the church building and he was the one who named Northside Church of Christ. Five months and eight days later in February 1971, they moved into the new building. U.L. ALLEN did the preaching for eighteen months with no pay.
Open house was held February 14, 1971. Brother Allen continued with us until September 20, 1971, when Brother Dewey Sims began preaching for Northside.
Brothers R.E. CREEL, G.W. SELVAGE and Dewey SIMS served as Elders of the Northside congregation. Brother SIMS continued preaching until June 14, 1978.
Brother Randy LYONS worked with us from July 12, 1976 through November 11, 1979. Brother Roger LATHAM filled in from November 18, 1979 until January 13, 1980. Brother Tommy VERNON began work on January 27, 1980.
Preachers and wives at Northside were, U.L. and Dorothy ALLEN, Dewey and Merle SIMS, Randy and Annette LYONS, Tommy and Frankie VERNON, Mike and Donna RAINE, Guy and Shirley HESTER, Lawrence and Patsy WILSON, Tom and Darlene HORTON, Larry and Brenda PRUITT, Chris BARNETT, Eddie and Dean DICKEY, Joe and Karen MITCHELL, Jon and Kim CREEL and Larry and Brenda PRUITT is again preaching his second term.
Larry PRUITT is the present minister beginning in July 2000. The Elders are, Robert CREEL, Durwood DEAN, Allen GAMBLE, Bill PATE and Larry PRUITT. The deacons are, Don CREEL, Ed ROBERSON and Peanut SMITH.
