In 1945, a group of Christian leaders in the Southwood area met to discuss the possibility of building a church in their community.

Meeting in the home of Mrs. Ida K. the following people were present:  C. A. D., Herman and Ruth J., Earl and Evelyn K., Adair K., Felix S., Ida K., Leo and Gladys S., Daniel and Marguerite K., Gertie J., Cedric and Eva K., and Joel and Ruby K. 

A decision was made to build a church in the Southwood community which could meet the challenging needs of the people there.  Many of the prospective members were already attending church at Armenia.

They decided to name the church Southwood Memorial Christian Church in honor of the community and the men and women who were giving their services in order to preserve our freedom, especially the freedom of religion.   That night they raised $4,000 to get the church project started. 

In 1946, the group voted to purchase a building lot from K. W. L. for $1,000.

The first board of trustees were appointed.   They were C. A. D., H. M. J., Felix S., Adair K., and Aaron J.  In November of 1946, forty-thousand brick were bought and placed on the site and a goal of $30,000 was set for the construction of the church.  The group members raised more than $22,000 but borrowed $11,000 from Atlantic Christian College (today known as Barton College) to finish the church.  The church building was later valued at $40,000 including money, material and labor that went into building the church.

During the construction of the church, the people from Southwood continued to worship at Armenia.

In the fall of 1948, the church was nearing completion.  There was need for church furniture.  Since a new church had been built at Whitakers, NC, Rev. C. C. W. gave Southwood members permission to go to that church and get their old furniture.  They got pews, a pulpit stand and a piano.   The furniture was used until Southwood Church could buy new furniture.  Later, the old furniture was given to Pleasant Hill Christian Church.

The first service was held on September 27, 1948 at 7:30 p.m.  Rev. Charles R., state evangelist, came for a week's service and helped with the organization of the church.

On Sunday morning, October 3, 1948, the first Sunday School was held with 75 present.  During the eleven o'clock service forty-five charter members were recognized.  

On Monday night, October 4, 1948, Rev. R. held the first baptismal service.  In 1962 the new minister, Rev. Billie A. and his wife, moved into the new parsonage.  The original church sign was erected out front of the church during 1964-65.  In 1967 Mr. Paul W. gave the church a large athletic building to be renovated into an educational building that is still used today.  1967 was the first year of the annual Harvest Festival. 

The church purchased a new sign in the fall of 2001.  Strong leadership and a loving congregation with extended community service helps this church to be the icon it is today.

On October 5, 2003 the new Family Life Center was dedicated.  Many thanks to all church members who worked diligently and often to insure the building was completed as quickly as possible.  A special thanks to Peggy B., Ray E., and Reginald S.  The building has an overpass from the old Education Building's kitchen to the back entrance of the stage area of the Family Life Center and a mural in remembrance of Robert Taylor portrays the bible story about the lost sheep.

Quick History updated in Church Newsletter in October 2009 by Pastor Rick Vernon:

December 12, 1945---the blessing and the beginning---A group of Southwood residents met in the home of Mrs. Ida Johnson Kennedy to form a new Christian Church Disciples of Christ for this community.

1947---A new place to worship---Construction began on the sanctuary in which we now worship.  The cornerstone on the south front corner of the sanctuary bear the date:  1947.  The name Southwood Memorial Christian Church was chosen to recognize the sacrifice of life, the suffering and hardships of WWII which had just recently ended.

September 27, 1948---The Official Charter---Forty-five members were listed on the church charter when services began on the first Sunday in October 1948.  This is how we established our traditional anniversary and homecoming celebration.

1958---A parsonage is completed that used to sit in our current parking lot.  It was later moved to allow more space for parking.

1965---The Southwood Gymnasium---Purchased and donated to the church for a fellowship hall and Sunday School rooms and a kitchen.

1970's---1980's---1990's---more property is acquired for future growth and vision---Late 80's:  Renovation of the education building with upstairs classrooms and Children's Church.  The Andrews' Cook Building is renovated.  the Morris property on the south side of our parking lot is purchased.  Shoular's property north side of the church campus is purchased.  Several acres behind the church where the FLC is now located were acquired and the parking lot receives rock and asphalt and painted lines.

1997---The Sanctuary Remodel and Expansion---The sanctuary now seats 298 with choir space for 40.  New choir room and prayer room.  Front foyer expansion and three new restrooms.  Remodel and expansion of back foyer.  A prayer garden of the north side of the building.

2002---The vision of a Family Life Center becomes reality---October 2003:  The new FLC is dedicated with a ribbon cutting.  October 2003:  New passage way from the education building to the FLC in memory of Robert Taylor. 

2004---Renovations to the old fellowship hall and education building---New pastor's office and secretary's office.  Parlor and snack counter.  Two new restrooms in the office complex.

2005---More expansion---Parking lot expansion completed in memory of Ray H. Early, Jr.  More Sunday school rooms upstairs in the Education Building.

2006---More expansion---New drive through covered entrance and covered walkway to the Family Life Center.

2007---More property---Given by the Baker Family behind the Family Life Center.  Received "right of way" to Strawberry Branch Road for future growth and expansion.  Baker Family Cemetery becomes part of the church property for perpetual care through the generations.

2009---Parking lot expansion---Property behind the FLC is rocked and prepared for asphalt in the near future.

2009---Current membership---Approximately 600.  Average attendance based on yearly numbers:  290.  We are currently the most attended Disciple Church in North Carolina according to the National 2009 CC (DOC) Yearbook and Directory.

To God be the Glory!! Great things He has done!!!