| In 1944 there were two congregations of the church of Christ in Columbia, Tennessee: West 7th Street church of Christ and Highland Avenue church of Christ. There seemed to be a need for a congregation in the Riverside area of town. A committee was appointed from the two congregations. This committee was composed of W.M. Fox; Chairman, C.F. Lumsden, James M. Derryberry, Knox Kinnard; Secretary-Treasurer, J.P. McGrew; contractor and builder. They were instructed to take charge and direct the work of building the church building. |
| |
| A lot was purchased at Fourth Avenue and Conant Street on November 2, 1944. Funds were placed in the hands of the committee to begin the work, but the war situation delayed the beginning of construction until 1946. The first meeting was held the second Sunday in October, 1947. About 150 members began meeting regularly. |
| |
| The elders of the above mentioned two congregations instructed the building committee to direct the work of the new congregation until the congregation could be properly organized. It was completed within six months. The following brethren were selected as elders: C. W. Clark, J. Amis Derryberry, James M. Derryberry, W. M. Fox, and Knox Kinnard. Deacons were: Charles F. Black, J. Mike Blair, B. H. Cornwell, C. F. Lumsden, James M. McGrew, and B. C. Scott. |
| |
| A house for the preacher which was next door to the church building was purchased in October, 1949. In 1956, the church building was air conditioned. In 1959, an addition to the auditorium and nine classrooms were added to the building. In July, 1963, the house lot west of the church building was purchased. In 1965, the house was removed and the lot paved with asphalt to provide additional parking spaces. A house for the minister was purchased at 319 Fourth Avenue in 1955. This house was sold in 1979. |
| |
| In June of 1982, a 6.24 acre lot on the Nashville Highway was purchased for a new facility. On July 26, 1992, after much discussion and planning, the decision was made to change the name of the congregation to North View church of Christ. |
| |
| Wayne Hardison was asked to serve as Project Manager. Members put in many hours of intense labor at the construction site. In all, over 75 members put “sweat equity” into the building project. The spirit of cooperation was wonderful and made the job a great deal more pleasant. The project was completed in 16 months and under budget. |
| |
| Then, on Sunday, November 7, 1993, the first service was held in the new North View church building. The first Sunday saw 271 gather for the first service. A dedication service was held the afternoon of December 12 with 273 in attendance. Tom Holland spoke and a spirit of excitement filled the service. |
| |
| Ministers who have served: Orin W. Utley, Elbert Young, Clyde Neal, Riley Moore, Oakes Gowen, Mel Dugger, Charles Tidwell, Harry P. Anderson, Bob Spurlin, Howard D. Parker, Joe E. Galloway, and Michael D. Greene. The present minister, Gregg L. Elrod, began his work with the North View congregation in May of 2004. Associate ministers who have served: Danny Douglas, Howard D. Parker, and Doug Kinnard (2001-2003). Also, during this time several men have served faithfully as elders of the Riverside/North View congregation, but of special note would have to be Brother Marvin Hall who served the church faithfully and steadfastly as an elder from 1954 until December 2003. |
| |
| In the summer of 1987, it was decided that a youth minister was needed to work with the youth of the congregation. Mike Kinnard was hired as the first youth minister in June of 1987 and served in that capacity until August of 1988. Mike’s brother, Doug Kinnard, followed as youth director in June 1990. Doug served as youth minister until December 2003. We continue to have an active youth group under the direction of our present youth minister, Joel Love, who began his work in February 2004. |
| |
| Special efforts of the North View congregation include: mission work, a weekly Visitation Program, an annual Family Bible Week, an active Youth Group, the Children’s Bible Hour each Sunday evening for children ages four through the 4th grade, Lads To Leaders (Youth Leadership training program), and retreats for youth, ladies and men. God has blessed us in many ways. It is our desire to continue to use the facility and the opportunities it presents to God’s glory. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|