The Southside Lectures were patterned—with some alterations—after the Fairview Lectures in Garden Grove, California. That series was first initiated by the Elders at Fairview at the suggestion of Brent Lewis and with the cooperation of Brother Floyd Thompson. The first speakers were scheduled to be Ed Harrell and Homer Hailey. Brother Harrell was called to be part of the American Cultural Center at Hyderbad, India that year and had to cancel his agreement to participate in the first Fairview Lectures. I was subsequently called in to take his place. The Fairview folks worked hard to make sure the lectures came up to the level of expectation they had set for them. The program was a huge success and was continued on an annual basis. After skipping a year, Ed and I were asked to appear on the third program. Thereafter, and for many years, Ed and I did the Fairview Lectures every other year. It was—and remains—a fine program.

The second time I went, I took Norma with me. She was so impressed with the program and came back with such raves about it that Brethren Usrey, Cottle, I’Anson and O’Neal became interested in trying the same type program here. We set out to get it done. I spoke with the Deacons about parking cars, extra water fountains, renting some extra chairs, and several other preparations that were indications of our expecting large crowds. They were skeptical, but went about the matter, mostly on faith. After considerable prayer, considerable planning, and considerable expense, the Southside Lectures became a reality.

I still remember how Norma and I felt that first night. It was a warm evening, but not too warm. The threat of rain had passed by now. Our anticipation was almost uncontrollable. We—all of us—had worried and worked and worked and worried and now it was here. Then came the people. The Deacons indeed did park cars, they did bring in chairs, they did set up the water bottles, and the whole time they were all grinning from ear to ear. On the evening of June 2, 1980 over 550 people assembled in the auditorium of the Southside building and R.J. Stevens led songs. I still remember how I felt when the first song was started. I remember even today how Norma looked at me when that huge sound of praise burst forth from the auditorium and soared toward the throne of God. We cried. Tears of joy, tears of thanksgiving, tears of love for our people and their faith. We were not alone. Lots of folks cried that night. Tears of joy, tears of thanksgiving, tears of love for our people and their faith.

Connie Adams spoke about the “Christian and His Life,” and Harry Pickup on “The Christian and His Choices.” Homer Hailey preached about “The Christian and His Morals” and Ed Harrell on “The Christian and His Growth” that first Lecture series. It was a supreme joy to hear these great men of God discuss these great Bible themes and not a person complained about the time it took to do so. The Lectures were off and running.

Since that time a host of other great preachers have occupied the pulpit at the annual Southside Lectures. James W. Adams, Wilson Adams, Don Bassett, Russ Bowman, C.G. “Colly” Caldwell, Kenny Chumbley, Harold Comer, David Curry, Melvin Curry, Steve Dewhirst, Thaxter Dickey, Chuck Durham, Paul Earnhart, Fred Gore, Sewell Hall, Robert Harkrider, Randy Harshbarger, Jack Holt, Robert Jackson, Frank Jamerson, John Kilgore, Randy King, Brent Lewis, James Lusby, Ira Lynn, Rickie Jenkins, Lawrence Kelley, Tony Mauck, Jason Moore, Ron Mosby, Gary Ogden, Bob Owen, H. E. “Buddy” Payne, Marty Pickup, Curtis Pope, Phil Roberts, Mike Rosser, L.A. Stauffer, Mike Thomley, Floyd Thompson, Don Truex, Harold Turner, Robert Turner, Ralph Walker, Frank Walton, Weldon Warnock, Mark White, Peter J. Wilson, and this year Gerry Sandusky joins the group of distinguished speakers.

The Southside Lectures have been a great motivation to unity and faithfulness for our people through the years. This year’s program—our twenty-fifth consecutive one—promises to be one of the best yet. How it will affect you personally depends on you personally.

I hope we will all get behind the program and push as hard as we can to make it—like all the others—a big success. It’s up to us.