The History of Northside Baptist Church

God has worked wondrous things through the witness of Northside Baptist Church since June 8, 1952, when a group of 52 believers followed Him to begin a new congregation without facilities, funds, or many friends.  

1952- The Lord showed His approval when the C&S Bank of Valdosta gave the landless group its first 3 acres of land.  The same day the church called Rev. Milton S. Overby as pastor.

1953-The church broke ground for its first building in June 1953.

1955- Northside called Rev. Douglas Reddick to serve as pastor, who served for the next 37 years.

1957- Because it had run out of space, the rapidly growing congregation built its second temporary sanctuary--now used as the frameworks building.

1958-Northside was expanding so rapidly that it organized and bought 3 acres for Immanuel Baptist Mission (now Westside Baptist Church).  

1959- The church baptized 99 new believers--the largest number for the next 52 years.

1960-1963- The church purchased 1-1/3 acres along Park Avenue for future growth and frontage on a major street.

1966-67 With volunteer labor from the congregation, the congregation erected its current sanctuary and dedicated it June 25, 1967.  The temporary sanctuary became the fellowship hall.

1974- The deaf ministry began including Sunday school and worship services.

1975- The congregation built a new children's building between the sanctuary and the fellowship hall.

1984- The church donated all funds needed to purchase land and a building to house Recodo Baptist Church in Zamboanga City, Philippines after Rev. Reddick preached in revival there.

1987-1988 - Northside adds a two-story education/administration edifice on the East side between the sanctuary and the original 1953 structure.

1991- With Northside's blessings and support, former Northsiders Clint and Harriet Bowman began ministry as Southern Baptist missionaries in Africa.

1994-1995- Northside completely renovated the sanctuary and educational buildings.

1994-2001 To expand educational space and provide more parking, Northside bought 8 houses and lots between Fleming and Williams Street.

2000- The church sponsored the international mission team of Dean and Wendy Failor.

2002- The congregation erected a new Family Life Center.

2004-2011- The congregation purchased 4 adjacent houses and lots to use for a missionary home, a college building, a storage building, and education space.

2006- The church became debt free.

2008- Northside sponsored volunteer mission teams to minister to an unreached people group in Africa.

2009- The church supported an annual youth mission trip to New Orleans .

2011- The first mission teams embarked to Honduras to work in an orphanage.

Present- Northside is currently planning for more renovations of the present structures.

So many wonderful people of God have been part of Northside; great numbers have come from Moody Air Force Base and continue doing so—often carrying the Gospel to other parts of the world when they depart from Moody.  Our witness to Valdosta State University brings young people with whom we share our lives and God’s Word.  By God’s leadership Northside has accomplished much in the past.  We thank Him and surrender ourselves to Him to continue carrying out His wonderful work.