The 1887 session of the Little Rock Annual Conference authorized the establisment of Lakeside Church, to be located just south of the old Harding Lake. Rev. C. B. Brinkley was appointed as pastor. The first building was built in 1888 at a cost of $6,000. By 1904 Lakeside Church had grown to the extent that a new sanctuary was deemed necessary.
     One marvels at the foresight with which these early Lakesiders dared to plan for the future. It is a testament to their faith that they believed a $50,000 building could be paid for during economically stressful times.
     Construction of the building was begun in 1908, but not completed until 1912. The first event in the new sanctuary was an organ recital on July 17. The first regular church service was held on July 21, 1913. The Pine Bluff Graphic reported that 1,000 persons filled the auditorium for the first worship service. Local Methodist churches and several other denominations canceled their own services in order to attend. There were 372 members listed in the church directory in 1910.