Our Story

Eastwood’s story begins long before our current building or even our current name. In 1871, the Woodland Street Christian Church was organized in East Nashville, meeting in the Odd Fellows Hall under the leadership of David Hall, E.G. Sorrell, and David Lipscomb (who later founded David Lipscomb College). For seven years, the congregation worshiped without a pastor, held together by shared commitment and faithfulness 

Not long after, Woodland Street and other Disciples congregations in Nashville helped sponsor a “mission congregation” called Eastland Christian Church. On Thanksgiving Day in 1910, members gathered to build what became known as “the church built in a day” on Gallatin Road—an extraordinary act of cooperation and shared vision. 

By 1930, leaders from Woodland and Eastland began conversations about merging their congregations. The merger happened quickly, and a new name was chosen: Eastwood—a blending of Eastland and Woodland. The name itself symbolizes unity and covenant, reflecting two communities choosing to become one church family.

Just a few years after the merger, Eastwood faced a devastating setback. In March 1933, a tornado destroyed the Rice Home, where the congregation was worshiping. Instead of disbanding or giving up, the church responded with courage and determination. From the ruins, members built what became Today’s Educational Building, which served both as a place for worship and for Christian education for nearly two decades 

This period of rebuilding was not easy. The Great Depression had strained finances, and the congregation even had to sell the parsonage at one point. Yet Eastwood continued to worship, teach, and serve—sometimes meeting in other churches or local schools. Their persistence showed a deep commitment to staying together through hardship. By 1951, the congregation dedicated the present sanctuary.

By the 1970s and 80s, Eastwood had become a lively, connected community. Families gathered for All-Church Retreats, softball teams built friendships, and worship blended faith with public life—like the 1976 service where members signed the Declaration of Independence together.

During this time, Eastwood also expanded its vision of leadership, installing its first women deacons in 1970 and women elders in 1983—reflecting a growing trust in God’s call on all people. In the 1990s, the church’s covenant reached beyond its walls. Eastwood began participating in Room in the Inn, welcomed a refugee family from Sudan, and joined affordable housing and Habitat for Humanity projects—living out a faith rooted in justice, dignity, and hospitality. Even when a tornado damaged the property in 1998, Eastwood rebuilt with hope.

“We are a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.”

At Eastwood, this is more than an identity statement—it is our calling. Today, we, as a congregation, continue that journey—not by seeking to be known as a “progressive” or “conservative” church, but by striving to be simply Christian.

When we say, “All Means All” we are not making a political statement. We are making a faithful confession that every person bears the image of God and is welcomed into Christ’s love. We seek to live out that confession by welcoming all people, building community, and serving God and neighbor.