GOODMAN OAKS HISTORY

Goodman Oaks began as the Whitehaven church of Christ in Memphis, Tennessee. The first service of the Whitehaven congregation was held September 9, 1949. This service consisted of eleven adults who worshipped in private homes for several months. Plans were soon made to build a permanent church building. A lot was purchased at the corner of Hale Road and Highway 51 (later to be named Elvis Presley Boulevard). On November 5, 1950, the congregation moved into its new house of worship. W. S. Long served as the first minister and was sponsored by the Union Avenue church in Memphis.

During the next twenty years, the Whitehaven community experienced rapid growth which was reflected in a corresponding growth of the church. By 1970 more than 600 people were worshiping in a 750-seat auditorium that had been built along with a two-story educational building. However, the 1970´s brought drastic demographic changes to the Whitehaven community, and by the early 1980´s attendance had declined to the mid 300´s. More and more Whitehaven members were moving their place of residence to East Memphis and DeSoto County, Mississippi. With the base of numerical and financial strength eroding, a decision had to be made if missions and other worthy ministries were to continue.

On February 12, 1984, a proposal was made to relocate the church to DeSoto County. The congregation was polled and over 94% favored such a move. A fifteen acre site at 1700 Goodman Road in what was then rural DeSoto county was purchased.

It was at this time that God´s providence was most evident. The West Shelby Drive church was experiencing rapid growth at this time, had outgrown its facility, and needed to relocate. They approached the Whitehaven church with a desire to purchase the property but it seemed unlikely that they would be able to afford the full price. Their determination and faith, however, were impressive and after several meetings between the leaders of both churches, the decision was made to make the property available to them for $750,000. This was viewed as an opportunity to further the cause of our Lord by helping a sister congregation. A meeting of church leaders from across Memphis was called to ask for financial help for the West Shelby Drive church. This help was obtained and within one year of moving to their new site, their growth was such that they began to assume most of their support. This church, now known as the Boulevard Church of Christ, soon became a church of over 500 members and continues to be a vital force in the Whitehaven community today.

The first service of the Goodman Oaks church was held July 5, 1987. Ninety-seven percent of the Whitehaven membership made the move. Membership at that time was approximately 250. From the outset, it was apparent that this relocation was a wise move. Growth began at once. By 1990 it became necessary to enter into Phase 2 of our building program and a classroom addition of 12,000 square feet was added. In December of 1996, we moved into our present Worship Center with seating for over 1,000 worshippers. In 2003 we completed another addition consisting of six new classrooms.

Over the years the Whitehaven/Goodman Oaks congregation has had several outstanding men serve as minister. Among them were W.S. Long, C.H. Lucas, C.W. Bradley, Jim Woodroof, Rubel Shelly, and Ken Joines. Our current pulpit minister is Steve W. Reeves a Memphis native who came to work with the congregation in January of 2002.

Goodman Oaks is now the largest congregation in the state of Mississippi. In April of 2005 we had our largest attendance to date with 1,201 worshipping on "Friends and Family Day." With God´s continued blessings it is our earnest expectation that our brightest days are yet to come.