A HISTORY OF SOUTHRIDGE COMMUNITY CHURCH

 The first service of Southridge Community Church was held on September 11, 1976 in the Stockade Building, complete with all the accompanying livestock aroma and serenading from the cattle.  Twenty-eight people attended under the leadership of Al & Lois Torhjeim.

 Outgrowing the limited facilities in the Stockade, the church began its pilgrimage to the Civic Centre, where it remained for about fifteen months.  Under the direction of the Lord, the fellowship took its largest step of faith as they built a new building on the corner of 57th Ave. and 41st St. Thanksgiving and excitement filled the new sanctuary as 175 worshipers joined together for the first worship service in our current building on May 6, 1979.  Our Dedication Service was held on October 19, 1980. 

Other pastors that have been with us at Southridge are:

Rev.  Bob & Carolyn Black - Youth Pastor - 1978-79

Rev.  Mark & Rosalie Copeland - Sr.  Pastor - 1980-83

Pastor Dave & Kathie Edwards - Youth Pastor - 1983-87

Dale & Amanda Block - 1989-1995

Mike & Elisa Nedelko - Youth Pastor - 1996-1998

Don & Sharon Read - 1999

 Presently our congregation is being led by our Sr.  Pastor Rev.  Mike & Darlene Morgan who have been our shepherds since 1981, Worship Pastor - Brad Berkan, Pastor of Youth and Christian Education - Pastor Darren & Bonni Rish and Minister of Pastoral Care - Bob & Olive Myers. 

On May 29, 1983 a new gymnasium was dedicated to the Lord and has been much in use ever since, not only for church functions but very much made available to the community.

 We are also very blessed to run Southridge Camp at Ministikwan Lake.  The first youth camp took place in 1978.  We have since added many new buildings and expanded our lease and in 1998 we celebrated 20 years of Camp by building a new chapel which was dedicated on August 9, 1998.  Summer camps are held for Gr. 1-9 plus a family camp and the facility is also used for retreats and is open to the community to use for reunions and family gatherings.

 Southridge exists to Celebrate God's Presence in Worship, Communicate God's Word through Evangelism, Demonstrate God's Love in Fellowship and Educate God's People through Discipleship.

 Our weekly ministries include Sunday School, Wee Worship and Nursery, Awana (an interdenominational club for boys and girls), youth, worship band, and choir.  We also have many other monthly and special events including music and drama productions which are very much produced for the community of Lloydminster.  We also have a well-stocked library available.

 Our church is led by a Board of Elders and a Business Operating Committee plus other boards and committees.

 In the summer of 2001 Southridge Community Church celebrated 25 years of ministry in Lloydminster and area.