The History of Southwestern Christian College

The story of Southwestern Christian College (SwCC) is deeply connected to the history of Terrell, Texas. On campus stands the Round House, the first dwelling built in Terrell in 1865. Constructed in an octagonal shape for protection, it featured the first glass windows in Kaufman County.

Today, the Round House remains one of only twenty such historic homes in the United States and is recognized by the Dallas Centennial and the Historical Society as a landmark worth visiting.

In the fall of 1948, Southwestern Christian College began as the Southern Bible Institute in Fort Worth, Texas, enrolling just forty-five students. This small beginning was the result of visionary leaders such as George P. Bowser (1874–1950), who helped lay the foundation for faith-based higher education in the region.

In the summer of 1949, the Board of Trustees seized the opportunity to purchase property in Terrell previously owned by the Texas Military College. With this move, the institution was renamed Southwestern Christian College and officially began operations in its new home that fall.

This transition not only gave SwCC a permanent campus but also positioned it as a vital institution for Christian education in Texas and beyond.

Over the decades, SwCC has overcome challenges while remaining steadfast in its mission. In January 2008, a devastating fire destroyed the historic administration building and an adjacent facility. Though the loss was deeply felt, the spirit of resilience and community carried SwCC forward.

The legacy of the past continues to inspire today’s mission — to prepare students for leadership, faith, and service.