Portland Christian Center has an extraordinary and rich history. It was established in 1924 as a result of a spiritual awakening that swept the city of Portland. It was during this time that a handful of families, who had experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in their lives, joined together to form a new congregation.

This new church first gathered in the home of Papa and Mama Vetch, owners of a well-known dairy in Northeast Portland. In a short time, a building was purchased, and the church was named The Portland Gospel Tabernacle. Hundreds of people joined this exciting new church. It was in 1928 that the church leaders felt led to affiliate with the worldwide ministry of the Assemblies of God. The church would become a leader in Sunday attendance and world missions giving.

During the 1930s, the growing congregation found a new home when it purchased a church building on the corner of S.E. 12th & S.E. Taylor. The church continued to experience growth, attracting several families that are still active today.

In the late 1940s, under the leadership of Pastor N.D. Davidson, new property was purchased at S.E. 20th and Madison, and a modern new sanctuary was constructed to accommodate the increasing attendance. In 1947, with the new facilities completed, the church name was changed to Portland’s First Assembly of God. For nearly 30 years, the 20th and Madison location would serve as the home of the church.

In the early 1970s, the present site on Dosch Road was purchased. On Sunday, October 15, 1978, under Pastor Jim Swanson, the first services were conducted in the newly constructed facilities.

Today, Portland Christian Center currently enjoys stewarding the beautiful facilities that overlook the southwest corner of Dosch Road and Beaverton Hillsdale Highway. Portland Christian Center truly is a “light on the hill” and eagerly awaits what God has planned for Portland as it moves into its 100th year of service to the city of Portland, Oregon.