| In 1958 a number of people who were members of the old Brush Creek congregation left
that group to form a new congregation known as Southside. Included in the number
were two of the elders, Fred Moore and Ivan Hedges, who also served the new group
as overseers in its early years. A former business building was purchased at 79th
and Paseo, remodeled, and served as the congregation's home for many years. Initially
much of the preaching was done by Ivan Hedges, a business man, and by local building
contractor/developer Ernest "Bud" Vick, with others also sharing the responsibilities.
Eventually the services of a full-time preacher were sought and Herbert Frayser filled
the position from 1962 to 1966. Other preachers who followed in the work were Don
Vaughan (1967-69), Bob West (1970-72), Herman Miller (1973-74), and Kenneth Van Deusen
until about 1980. In November of 1974 the group known as Southside changed locations,
becoming known as the congregation at Sterling Avenue. Preachers that have worked with
the congregation since its move to the present location are as follows: David Patterson
until about 1984, John Pressley until about 1987 or '88, and Mike Scott until about 1991.
John Bassford filled the preaching duties from 1991 to 1995, followed by Heath Rogers until
late 1996. At this time the present evangelist (Norman Fultz) began working with the
congregation at Sterling Avenue (in December of 1996). Brother Fultz had been acquainted
with several of the members of the group when they met at Southside during meetings in
1964 and 1965, thus affording him some knowledge and familiarity with the Sterling Avenue
congregation. For a number of years the congregation had not been served by elders and
deacons, though it had in earlier years. On February 2, 2003, Glendy Hockman, Norman Fultz,
and Jerry Vick were appointed to serve as elders. The process of selection and appointment
of deacons to serve was completed on March 9, 2003, when John Frazier, Gene McClung, and
Marion Morgan were appointed deacons. After just over four years of devoted service as an
elder at Sterling, Glendy Hockman resigned due to health concerns which prompted he and
wife Eva to move to Columbia, Missouri, to be close to son David and medical facilities
for his rehabilitation. The Sterling congregation is deeply indebted to Glendy and Eva for
their loving service for so many years. The remaining two elders, Jerry Vick and Norman Fultz,
continue to serve the congregation.
|