Southside Baptist Church

A simple wooden cross. That’s how it all began for Southside Baptist Church in Charleston, Missouri. Not in Charleston, South Carolina, mind you, but in the heart of Missouri. In 1953, Second Baptist Church of Princeton felt a calling. They wanted to establish a mission in the then-developing Shirt Factory Addition of Charleston. A humble house became their first sanctuary. Services were held at 11:00 am, with preaching at 10:00 am. This allowed Pastor H.D. Knight to serve both the mission and Second Baptist. Young ministers followed, nurturing the growing congregation. Second Baptist supported the mission until 1955, when First Baptist Church took over. Under the leadership of Pastor H.G.M. Hatler, the mission thrived. The small gathering on Nichols Street soon outgrew its humble beginnings. The community yearned for an organized church, a spiritual anchor. On February 5, 1956, the Southside Baptist Church was officially born. Seventy-four members from First Baptist and eight from other churches formed the core of this new congregation. Eighty-two charter members, each with a story to tell, united by faith. On March 11, 1956, Rev. Gates Bowman answered the call to become Southside’s first pastor. He began his ministry on April 15, 1956. It was also on this day that the church’s name officially changed from “South side” to “Southside.” A small detail, perhaps, but it marked a significant step in the church’s journey. Rev. Bowman shepherded the flock until November 14, 1959, laying the foundation for Southside’s future. The church continued to grow. In April 1981, Southside Baptist Church moved into a new sanctuary. This included new offices, a nursery, and improved music facilities. A testament to their growing community and a symbol of their enduring faith. The church has seen many pastors come and go, each leaving their mark on the Southside community. From Rev. Wallis Gray to Dr. Larry Purcell and finally, to the current pastor, Bro. Kyle Noffsinger, who assumed leadership in February 2020. Through changing times and evolving needs, Southside Baptist Church remains a beacon of faith in Charleston, Missouri. A testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of its founding members.