History of the West Innes Street Church of Christ

I. Early Congregation and Dissolution

A Church of Christ congregation existed in Salisbury many years before the current congregation.
The congregation eventually disbanded because:
Some members moved away.
Others lost interest in continuing the work.

Remaining faithful Christians attended congregations in surrounding communities.
During this period, they also conducted Bible studies in one another’s homes.
These gatherings helped maintain fellowship and interest in reestablishing a congregation in Salisbury.

Members decided to reestablish a congregation of the Lord’s church in Salisbury.
A meeting place was secured.
The first known service is believed to have been held in October 1944.
Services were conducted in a rented hall above the former Earl’s Office Supply on West Innes Street.
Approximately fifteen people attended those early services.

Property was acquired for a permanent meeting place.
A church building was erected in 1948 on North Main Street.
As a result, the congregation became known as the North Main Street Church of Christ.

Over the years, the congregation grew with the Lord’s blessing.
Additional space became necessary.
Property was secured on West Innes Street.
A new building was constructed there.
The first worship service in the new facility was conducted on October 9, 1977.
The congregation became known as the West Innes Street Church of Christ.

Minister Years of Service

Jim Binkly 1944 – 1951

P. L. Manning 1951 – 1954

Bill Williams 1954 – 1955

Paul Sikes 1955 – 1960

Paul Kelsey 1960 – 1962

J. H. Blackman, Jr. 1963 – 1965

Maynard Booher 1965 – 1970

Joe Adams 1971 – 1980

John Croslin 1980 – 1984

Ernest J. Richards, Jr. 1985 – 1988

David Shuping 1988 – 1990

David Smith 1990 – 1993

Joe Adams 1993 – 1996

Jeff Slater 1999 - 2004

Steve Short 2004 -

Don Atkins

Jeff Cannon

Paul Kirkpatrick 2025 - 2026