The Southgate church began meeting in the Fulton School in Heath, Ohio in the early 1960's. After a few years in the school building, the church began meeting in a steel workers union hall at the corner of State Route 79 and South 30th street (the current First Federal Savings and Loan). In 1972 a new church building was dedicated at 1075 South 30th St. and our first fulltime minister was hired.

In June 1978, the Southgate Church of Christ in Heath and the 28th and West Main St. in Newark merged. It was an exciting time in Southgate's history. In the next year elders and deacons were selected, a new educational wing and fellowship room were constructed and 3 additional acres of land were purchased.

In the 1980's Southgate expanded it's outreach in the community with our Thursday School and Hilltoppers ministries. Then in the late 1980's foreign missions became a major emphasis of the church.

Southgate’s mission is to "Glorify God in our words and our actions". We have adopted the following vision statement: "Each individual member of the body of Christ at the Southgate Church of Christ is rooted and grounded in the knowledge and practice of the teachings of Jesus and is the desire and joy of serving Him."

The strategy we have adopted to accomplish our vision and mission has 5 areas of emphasis: 1) Develop a commitment to the Word of God; 2) Develop a commitment to strong families; 3) Develop a commitment to strong leadership; 4) Develop an awareness of cultural changes; 5) Develop a commitment to outreach both internationally and locally.

We are excited about the future of the church and the impact that Southgate can have, not only in our own community, but also on the world. We are continually amazed at what God is accomplishing through His people in this place.

Our mission / vision chart looks like this...