Welcome to Southside Christian Church-Ottawa, IL

WHAT IS THE “CHRISTIAN CHURCH”?

The church was called into existence in A.D. 30, on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ. Sadly the history of the church has seen the rise of denominations and teachings which are not found in the New Testament. In the early part of the sixteenth century, Martin Luther and others set out to "reform" the church. Unfortunately, division rather than unity was one of the results of "the Reformation."

In the Nineteenth Century, men like Alexander and Thomas Campbell and Barton W. Stone began efforts to lay aside all human traditions and restore the New Testament church. Today, this Restoration Movement (known to some as the Stone-Campbell Movement) seeks the unity of all Christians on the truths of God’s Word.

Congregations of this non-denominational fellowship enjoy fellowship with one another and cooperate in joint efforts (Bible colleges, Christian camps), but each congregation is led locally by a group of elders. Churches of this fellowship refer to themselves as Christian Churches or Churches of Christ. Southside Christian Church is part of this non-denominational fellowship.

On April 13, 1958 twenty Christians committed to the principles and plea of the Restoration Movement met in Ottawa, Illinois and three months later began to hold regular services at the McKinley School gymnasium. On March 10, 1960 the congregation purchased a former “chicken house” at 620 Mason Street and converted it into a house of worship.

In 1963, Mr. Leroy Knight was called to be the first full-time pastor. During his ministry the congregation purchased vacant property at the intersection of Catherine and Erickson Streets. On March 7, 1966, the congregation moved into a newly constructed building. It is in this building that the congregation presently meets at the time of this writing.

Pastors who have served the congregation are: Mr. David Buche (1966-71), Delmar "Jack" Poe (1971-74), James Thompson (1975-78), Arthur Roemer (1978-84), Glenn Anderson (1984-92), Dr. Lloyd Ludwick (1993-Present).