Southside Methodist Church Celebrates 75 Years of Faith, Community, and Missions

In the heart of Jacksonville’s Southside, nestled beneath a canopy of ancient oaks and pine trees, sits a church whose story is stitched into the very fabric of the community. This year, Southside Methodist Church is celebrating a milestone—75 years of unwavering faith, community, and mission service.

Founded in 1950, Southside Methodist Church has grown from a small neighborhood congregation into a vibrant spiritual home for generations of families. “I am so very proud of our church.” said Mary Virginia Jones, wife of Charter Member Mac Jones, who joined SMC as a young bride in 1953. “From humble beginnings, Southside Methodist Church has become a very vibrant and exciting church that provides programs and studies for everyone and all ages. After 75 years, we continue to extensively support our community. The joy and love I experience each Sunday truly warms my heart.”

The 75th anniversary marked by both reflection on the past and vision for the future, will feature a year-long celebration that strives to bring together generations of faithful members and welcome newcomers and visitors alike.

A Church Built by Faith

On June 8, 1949, the Quarterly Conference of Hendricks Memorial Methodist Church authorized the formation of a new nonprofit: Southside Methodist Church, Inc. The first service was held on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1950, with 550 devoted charter members in attendance.

By September 1950, a program to build a Sanctuary began. A groundbreaking ceremony for the $275,000 church building (equivalent to $3,677,601 today) soon followed. The Sanctuary held its first service on Palm Sunday, April 3, 1955, and stands today as a testament to the devotion of its founding members and generations since.

The People Behind the Pews

Southside has always been shaped by its people—faithful leaders, everyday families, and individuals who are devoted members and attendees. Legacy families like the Langley and Piotocchis have been part of Southside’s foundation for generations. “For 75 years, Southside has been more than walls and a roof—it’s been a refuge, a guiding light, and a family,” said Bill Langley, a third-generation member. “I was baptized here, participated in the youth program, and was married here. My children and granddaughter were baptized in this church. Southside is my extended family—not just where we gather, but where we grow, heal, and serve.”

Today, that spirit continues through not only longtime members, but many new individuals and families who proudly lead outreach efforts, volunteer, and help continue to build Southside’s authentic community. From children and youth ministries to bible studies and local and global missions, Southside members live out their faith in powerful ways.

A Place to Belong Since 1950

One defining trait of Southside Methodist is its warm, come-as-you-are spirit. Whether you’re new to Jacksonville or new to church altogether, there’s a place for you.

“We live in the neighborhood and started attending Southside because our daughter is part of their youth programs,” said Seth Rothstein, “I was surprised the first time we attended at how touching Pastor Phillip’s sermon was, and was glad to see friends from the neighborhood. It has brought our family peace, hope, and joy. We feel blessed to have been made to feel so welcome and pray others might find their way to Southside as well.”

Longtime member Patti Price echoed the sentiment. “We were early in our marriage when we found Southside. It reminded us of the churches we grew up in. We’ve raised our family here and grown in our faith alongside dear friends. We treasure the memories we’ve made over the years.”

Faith in Action—Local and Global Impact

While Sunday worship is the heartbeat of Southside, its impact stretches far beyond the Sanctuary walls. The church supports nine mission partners. In 2024, alone SMC helped:

Contribute food to UCOM, providing 1,216 pounds of food and over 3,600 meals to those in need.

Our annual missions trip to Guatemala, bringing the total number of trips to 35, to help with home-building, medical care, and Gospel outreach.

Continued support for a sister church in Cuba, including a 2023 mission trip delivering over 200 pounds of medicines.

Bringing hope to incarcerated individuals through Kairos, Prison Ministry.

Closer to home, the church is bustling every week with the Southside Methodist Preschool, Sunday children’s programs, adult Bible studies, Wednesday night dinners, Life Groups, adult choir, children’s music programs, and Happy Brew Coffee Shop.

A Bold Future, Rooted in Faith

As Southside celebrates 75 years, the anniversary theme—Bold Generations for Christ—calls the church to honor its heritage while boldly stepping into the future.

“As we embark on this year of celebration, we are reminded of the incredible ways God has worked through Southside Methodist Church over the past 75 years,” said Phillip Short, Senior Pastor of Southside Methodist Church. “The theme for the 75th celebration is Bold Generations for Christ, which celebrates our rich heritage while embracing our vibrant present and the exciting future God is unfolding for our church community. We invite everyone—whether you have been a part of Southside for generations or are just getting to know us—to join in this special season of faith, fellowship, and service.”

Planned anniversary events include a commemorative unity worship service, a time capsule opening, special Easter celebrations, children’s initiatives, and mission-focused projects. A new memorial brick patio will also be installed, inviting families and community members to join the campaign and leave a lasting mark.

And as the church continues to grow, it holds fast to the words of Pastor Raymond A. Alley, spoken in 1950: “We can say of the church as a physical structure, ‘It is finished,’ but never can we say that of the church as a spiritual entity…There is much more for us to do. The past is but a brief prologue of greater things to come under the leadership of Almighty God.”

From a humble sanctuary built by 550 faithful families to a thriving congregation of today, Southside Methodist Church continues to be a beacon of hope for Jacksonville and beyond.

Want to learn more about Southside Methodist Church or join in the 75th anniversary celebration? Visit smcjax.org or attend services any Sunday at 9:00 am or 11:00 am.

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