April Sound Church has long established itself as a fixture in the community. Like many movements of God, what started as a seed has grown and blossomed. To paraphrase Acts 5:39: If it’s from God, you can’t stop it.

The beginnings of April Sound Church have left a defining impact. This wasn’t a church funded by a denomination, this wasn’t part of a church planters dream, nor was it clergy initiative. Rather, this was a group of faithful lay members who had a similar and simple desire: that April Sound residents would have a place to come together to worship Christ.

At the time, two tennis professionals, employed by the Club and devout Christian men, Tommy Connell and Dwight Edwards, came up with the suggestion of having a short worship service at April Sound early on Sunday morning. This idea spread. The seed grew. A man named Orland Oswald came to Bob Southard, a resident of April Sound and a Lay Minister in the Methodist Church and recommended that he be involved.

In May, 1976, the first Sunday worship service took place at April Sound Country Club and was conducted by Tommy and it began at 8:00 and ended at 8:45. Bob Southard reflected on this service, “Although I cannot speak for all those who attended, they like me, must have felt the same contentment and strength that comes from praising and worshipping the Lord as many of them suggested we meet again the following Sunday.”

By the summer of 1976, Tommy and Dwight had moved on and Bob agreed to perform worship services at April Sound Country Club. In the Spring of 1977, another April Sound Church tradition was established, Easter Sunrise Service at the Club, which to Bob’s surprise was attended by 185 people that Sunday.

In the summer of 1977, core members of the congregation decided it was time to incorporate as a non-profit corporation and the name April Sound Inter-denominational Church was official. As more full-time residents moved in, more attended the Church and with the kind offer from the developer, Bruce Belin, the Church moved to “The Community Center” (former horse stables) located at 67 April Wind South in early 1979 but as attendance grew, so did the want and need of having a permanent home.

Bruce Belin was approached to donate the church’s current location and construction began for the original edifice in late 1979. Construction was completed in early 1980 which allowed for Easter services to be held at the new facility. Bob Southard was ordained by the congregation in April of 1980.

Due to the growing number of members, the need for additional space grew. In 1984, construction began on the kitchen and Sunday school addition and was completed in early 1985.

Bob continued in the position of Pastor until 1985 when he decided to step down. The congregation selected a Pastor Selection Committee to recruit a new Pastor. After an extensive search and many applicants, Rev. Dowen Johnson was selected, and Bob remained on as Pastor Emeritus.

It should be noted that alongside the church’s birth, God was also planting and growing the seed of “Helping Hands” which would become the Church’s outreach arm – caring for the needs of the homeless people and those in financial crisis in Montgomery County. This too, was a lay-led movement of God which has grown and is continuing to impact more lives than ever. Over $100,000 will go this year towards (1) feeding the hungry, (2) giving drink to the thirsty, (3) clothing the naked, (4) giving shelter to the homeless, (5) caring for the sick, (6) visiting the prisoner, and (7) caring for the orphan and the widow.

Under Pastor Dowen’s faithful leadership and shepherding for over 36 years April Sound Church would grow its numbers, its facilities, and its ministries. On Sunday, February 17, 2002 April Sound Church dedicated the annex building – which currently houses its Fellowship Hall, kitchen, Sunday school classes, and contemporary worship service. That same year, the church also completed the 105 parking lot, making the church even more accessible to the community.

In 2019, under Pastor Dowen’s direction, the church would form another Pastor Selection Committee. Similarly this extensive search resulted in many applicants and Pastor Keith Sobus was called in the summer of 2020 to be the next Lead Pastor.

Mike Southard, Bob Southard’s son, shared his sentiments: “If my Dad were still alive, I know he’d want Keith to be the third pastor of April Sound Church.”

Today, the church is growing similarly as it was before. A newly remodeled youth facility and a newly installed playground reflect the church’s heart for youth. A growing choir, rich liturgical 9AM service, engaging biblical preaching, and an incredible base of faithful mature members reflects the church’s desire to be deeply rooted in Christ. A vibrant, modern, and at-near-capacity 10:30AM service reflects the church’s ability to bridge our ancient faith with today’s world.

As a church we seek to Love God (The Great Commandment), Grow Together (The Great Community), and Be The Church (The Great Commission). And we’re just as committed as ever before to keep Christ at the center of all we do. We invite you to be part of the vision and legacy that we carry forward today. We hope you’ll join us.