In January 1975, it was determined that there was a need for a new congregation to be located further north of downtown Pensacola to be known as the Northside Church of Christ. Brother Bill and Sister Dot Smith offered their recreation room as a temporary meeting place and services began on February 16, 1975, with 23 in attendance.
Within a month, attendance had grown to 53 and the Brothers determined to buy our existing property at 4001 north 9th avenue. A house on the property was renovated and brough up to code. Worships began in the house in July 1975. Brother Sam Hastings, a longtime elder at East Hill, offered to do the preaching at no salary, however, Northside Brothers insisted that Brother Hastings be paid. Brother Hastings was paid and he promptly put it all back in the collection plate. Brother Hastings continued to preach for the Northside congregation for five years.
Construction of the existing auditorium was started in 1981, and the first service was on March 21, 1982. Construction of an addition which provided eight classrooms was begun in October 1991 and the first classes were conducted on January 19, 1992. Following Brother Hastings as minister were Brother Randy Pickup and Brother Karl Flem. Brother Joe Matzer has served as minister since September 1, 1988. His part time ministry became full time in 2002.
The Northside congregation of Christ’s church in Pensacola is a body of the Lord’s people with the intentions of speaking where the Bible speaks and remaining silent where the Bible is silent. We do things by Bible examples and to the best of our knowledge without adding to or taking away from God’s word. What Christ gave us is as true today as it was when Peter preached it on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2.