The congregation known as Cox Boulevard Church of Christ began in 1947 by the elders of the Annapolis Avenue Church of Christ who decided to expand the Lord’s work with a congregation to serve a growing area of Sheffield.  This would also relieve the crowded conditions at Annapolis Avenue.

 

The elders at Annapolis Avenue asked Ben Brenneman, Jr. and Hayes Hanlin to take the lead in this work.  On November 16, 1947, ninety people met at 3001 Jackson Highway for their first service.  Ben Brenneman, Jr. led “The Great Physician” as the first song and Hayes Hanlin preached the congregation’s first sermon.  Myrtle W. Little, suggested Eastside as the congregational designation and this name was retained when the congregation relocated at 3007 Hatch Boulevard in 1950 in the building constructed on lots donated by the Annapolis Avenue Church of Christ.

 

The Eastside Church of Christ soon began to grow and from the very beginning has been actively involved in preaching the gospel throughout the world and serving the community in many benevolent works.

 

As the years progressed, the congregation outgrew its building on Hatch Boulevard.  The elders then made the decision that new facilities were needed in order to continue the work and growth.  They purchased about ten acres of land on Cox Boulevard, later acquiring an additional six acres.  In March 1974, construction began on a new building, and on July 13, 1975, the first worship service was held in the new facility.

 

 Over the years several ministers have served the Eastside and Cox Boulevard Churches, including:  Paul Keller, A.E. Emmons, Jr., Jack Wilhelm, Lamar Plunket, R. David Underwood, and Elvis Huffard at Eastside; then, at Cox Boulevard, Bob Clardy, Lamar Plunket and Jim Chamblee.  Larry R. Kilpatrick is presently serving as our local evangelist.  A number of other ministers have worked locally with this congregation in various capacities over the years.

 

 On November 16, 1997, the Cox Boulevard church celebrated the 50th Anniversary of this great congregation of the Lord.  It was a blessing to hear from every living minister who has ever served as the preacher of Cox Boulevard and Eastside Churches of Christ.  That in itself is a testimony to the unity that has prevailed through the years for the church here.

 

 It is important to remember that the inclusion of a name in a list of church members does not guarantee citizenship in Heaven unless a name is written there by obedience to the Gospel and faithfulness in all things.