Southwest Church of Christ in Tigard began as the vision of three men and their wives: Claude and Sammy Guild were returning from six years of mission work in Brisbane, Australia; LaVega and Nancy Parker were supported by a church in Tulsa, Okla.; Woodrow and Gracie Hughes were already in the Portland area.

With financial support from the Rosemont Church of Christ in Ft. Worth, Texas, the first service was held June 17, 1973, in rented facilities in Tigard. Attendance for the service that day was 171.

Members quickly began making plans to have a more permanent presence in the Tigard community. Property was purchased at 98th and Durham, and a building erected in 1976, just three years after the first meeting.

Today, the average attendance is more than 850, and we support numerous ministries both locally and around the world. The facilities on Durham Road have been expanded several times. A new worship center that seats 700 was dedicated in the spring of 2005.

Southwest continues to be blessed with new members. Each new person enriches the fellowship and brings new talents that can be used to glorify God and minister to our community more effectively.