The Southside Lectures originated in 1980 as an effort to give special emphasis to some subjects which the Elders here thought would be of benefit to our members. The Lectures were well received—right from the beginning.

When the first Southside Lectures were being planned it produced some interesting reactions to the idea. For instance, when the deacons were told that they should be ready to direct cars where to park, there were sighs of, “Yeah, well…” When they were told that we would need portable water foundations set up around the foyers, their reaction was. “Yeah, well…” When the Elders directed some of the deacons to act as ushers to handle the crowds, the same reaction resulted…”Yeah, well…” And when they were told to get all the chairs from the classrooms ready to be set up in the auditorium, they had an even more dubious reactions…. “Yeah….well…yeah, well, we’ll see.” We did see.

We needed to park cars—even quickly ran out of spaces—and we needed portable water fountains, and we needed ushers, and chairs were put out everywhere. It was a most exciting time. Not only were people everywhere, excitement was everywhere. It was wonderful!

R.J. Stevens cleared his throat and sounded do, mi, so. We began to sing. I remember looking over at Norma; she looked back at me. She was crying. So was I. Tears of joy are wonderful.

It was the beginning of many similar times—times when the crowds were so huge as to spill over into the foyers and classrooms. Crowds where scores of people were touched with the great preaching and song service, and the spirit of togetherness which has always pervaded the Lectures.

The men who have spoken have given the gospel message vibrant meaning, creating forceful motivation and treating vital themes in a way to make those present ready to make changes and become better Christians, no matter how long they’ve been in the family of God.

R.J. Stevens, whom we dubbed early on as “The Sweet Singer Of Israel,” had led the song services in his most inimitable manner for all the previous 27 Lectures, and will be here for his 28th time this year. He has been a vital part of the Lectures.

The men who have preached the gospel at the Southside Lectures have been men of immense Bible knowledge, as well a men of character and concern. The list of them is impressive indeed: Connie Adams, Homer Hailey, Ed Harrell, Brent Lewis, Robert Turner, Bob Owen, Harry Pickup, Jr., Harold Turner, Sewell Hall, Paul Earnhart, Robert Jackson, Weldon Warnock, James W. Adams, Kenny Chumbley, Don Truex, Phil Roberts, Buddy Payne, Gary Ogden, Floyd Thompson, Robert Harkrider, Peter Wilson, Harold Comer, Curtis Pope, Jason Moore, Frank Jamerson, Lawrence Kelley, John Kilgore, Roger Shouse, Ron Mosby, Melvin Curry, Colly Caldwell, Rickie Jenkins, Mike Rosser, Gerry Sandusky, Chuck Durham, Frank Walton, Thaxter Dickey, Steve Dewhirst, Jack Holt,, James Lusby, Ralph Walker, and Mark White. Even Dee Bowman has been on the program a time or two.

In later years, the sons of the some of the earlier speakers have been featured on the Lectures—Marty Pickup, Wilson Adams, and Russ Bowman. And 2002 was special, a thrilling time for us here at Southside. The Elders determined to bring back all the young men who had been, to that time, involved in our preacher-training program. They all came. Randy King, Fred Gore, Chuck Durham, Marty Pickup, David Curry, Russ Bowman, Tony Mauck, Mike Thomley, Lawrence Kelley, Jason Moore, and Bubba Garner.

Our people here are good to attend. Some even take vacation time during Lecture week. They realize what an opportunity it is to pack into a few days such good and functional information. Some will not attend. It’s sad. They are the losers.

Welcome to the 28th edition of the Southside Lectures. It’s good to have you here. Our members are excited again this year that people have come from all over to encourage this annual effort. We love our brethren. We want what’s best for you. We hope you will be instructed, edified, and built up by what we do here. We want to do all we can to make your visit a memorable one, so let us know how we can help you. Welcome—to the 28th Southside Lectures!