In its earliest days, the city of Portland was located largely on the west side of the Willamette River. Among its many churches was First Christian Church.
As Portland grew to the east side, First Christian decided to plant a new congregation in that expanding population. This was the year 1892. They named themselves ‘Central Christian.’
This church began in a rented storefront at what is now 34th and SE.Main. In about 1904, it was re-named East Side Christian Church.
In 1909, desiring to own their own building, the congregation built a temporary structure at 19th and Salmon while a permanent building was being constructed at 20th and Salmon. With the new permanent structure the original name was re adopted: Central Christian Church. (This building is now owned by Hinson Memorial Baptist Church.)
However, due to unforseen circumstances it soon became necessary for Central Christian Church to relocate. They moved to 12th and SE. Taylor where they remained until 1929. Their next move was to 39th and NE. Seneca (near Interstate 84). The group had to disband temporarily because of a major theft, but soon reappeared, 180 strong at 25th and SE. Madison. The year was 1932. In 1952 the church was again re-located to 27th and SE. Hawthorne (now Safeway). In 1962 Central moved to its present location near 39th and SE. Hawthorne.
In 1994, Central merged with the Duke Street Church of Christ. The following is a brief history of that church and the subsequent merger.
The Duke Street Church of Christ began in 1952, on the corner of 70th and SE. Duke with a tent revival held by students from the Montavilla Church Training Program.(later Northwest College of the Bible.) In 1967, a new building was built.
In December of 1993, Central Christian's senior minister retired. In January of 1994, Dave Brink, the senior minister of the Duke Street church approached the pulpit committee of Central Christian with the idea of a merger. (Duke Street had outgrown its building and Central needed a senior minister.) On October 16, 1994 the merger was culminated and the two congregations worshiped together for the first time.
Today, Central Christian Church continues its journey. As we see where we've been, and where we are now, the future looks bright as we continue to follow the path God leads.
