The elders of the Coddle Creek ARP Church saw the need for a church to be planted in the fast growing Lake Norman area, so in May
1985, 17 people met at a local library to explore the possibilities for a new work. The Southern Professional Center (across the street from
our present property) rented space for worship for $1.00 per month. The first service was held October 6, 1985 with 34 persons
present. Rev. James A. Hunt of the Coddle Creek Church led the first worship service. [The origin of our 9:30 AM Worship service dated to this
time because it enabled Rev. Hunt to get back to Coddle Creek for their 11:00 AM service.]
In April 1986 we were organized as a mission church within First Presbytery of the ARP with commitments from 22 people. Rev. Robert J.
Hamilton, Jr. was secured as the mission developer. Shortly thereafter, with generous help from the Presbytery and the Synod (through the
agency that is now known as Outreach North America) we were able to purchase our present 5-acre site and changed the large residential
house into a house of worship.
We formally organized as a regular congregation with 91 charter members on December 2, 1990. Rev. Hamilton was called as the first
pastor. In 1991 we added the large worship room which was dedicated for worship in October 1991.
In late 1994 and early 1995, we endured some difficult times that saw the departure of several families and our first pastor. In November of
1995, we called our second (and present) pastor, Rev. John Howard Dawson and we are rededicating ourselves to the call of our mission
statement. In 1997, we ordained and installed our first deacons. The deacons have increased our ministry’s effectiveness.
Lakeside has increased its ability to help others in the name of our Lord. Two of our members, Jacques Redslob and Nanci
Wurtz, founded Love in the name of Christ, South Iredell (Love INC). This interchurch ministry connects volunteers with neighbors in need and helps
Christians put legs on the command to love one another. Love INC was given the J. C. Penney Golden Rule award in 1998. In 1999 our
youth had their first level 2 mission trip when they conducted a Bible school for children in Appalachia.
In 1998, we remodeled the former house once again in order to expand the fellowship area and increase the number of classrooms. As we
grow, we are ever mindful that we need to grow in our understanding of God’s Word. We pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to enliven
our hearts that we may be renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and be enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto
righteousness.