Eastside Church of Christ Records

The Eastside Church of Christ began in 1953 in conjunction with Columbia Christian School. On June 7, 1953, the first service was held in the school auditorium. Eighty-five people attended that day (most were from Central) and two were baptized. Within the next few months, four elders (Walter Burkett, Earl Smith, Chester Kennedy, and Bert Claspill) and five deacons (Bill Ragsdale, Curtis Danner, Bill Davis, Bill Powell Jr., and Sewell Magnani) were appointed. L.D. Webb (president of Columbia) was hired as the preacher. One year later, Claude Guild moved to Portland to preach at Eastside and to serve as vice-president at Columbia. Attendance at that time was about 100 and the weekly contribution was about $150. In 1957, a building fund was started and the lot at 90th and Glisan was purchased. Construction began on June 9, 1959, at a cost of about $230,000. On June 12, 1960, the first worship service was held in the new building. By 1968, the average attendance had grown to 465.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, church members became concerned about refugees from South East Asia and began sponsoring and ministering to their spiritual needs. The Asian program began in 1975-1978 under Frank Roberts. Many members contributed their time and energy to teaching Bible classes, driving buses, teaching English, and to many other areas of service. The Asian congregation met in the fellowship hall for many years but currently meets in the auditorium on Sunday afternoons. They currently have an attendance of about 100 members.