Northside Church of Christ

“Seventy-nine.” A lone figure stood across from the Northside Church of Christ, whispering a number to the wind. This, he explained to those around him, was the membership count after just one year of the church’s existence. Northside Church of Christ, right here at 410 W. 43rd Street, had a beginning filled with hope and marked by rapid growth. Founded in 1926, its origins can be traced back to a simple desire: to establish a strong Church of Christ presence in the booming north side of Austin. Back then, University Avenue Church of Christ was the only significant congregation of its kind. This new church, energized by its mission, quickly drew in new followers. It held its first services in a former Methodist building, a testament to the evolving landscape of faith in the area. Dr. Albert Deveny, a prominent figure in the early days, served as both a founding elder and the first song leader. He, along with other founding members like Mrs. John Lyle, Bess Gray, and Zilphia Davis, nurtured the church through its infancy. These pioneers laid the groundwork for the church’s legacy of community involvement and spiritual guidance. Within its first five years, Northside Church of Christ flourished. They purchased their building, expanded its structure, and even added a new classroom building. It was a tangible sign of their growing influence and dedication.