Church History
Westside Church of God, formally "A" Mountain Church of God was first started in the home of Benjamin Franklin Scott on Anita Street. Later in the twenties the church rented a building on the south side of Tucson, where they worshipped while small adobe building was being on West King Avenue. Mama and Papa Banks donated the one and a half-acre of property to the congregation.
Brother Daniel Lee constructed the first church building. The "A" Mountain Church of God was the first Church of God built in the city of Tucson. The first pastor of the congregation was Rev. William Woods, followed by Rev. William Lee, Rev. Richard Taylor, Rev. Eugene Lowery, Rev. David Scott, Rev. Sterling Carr, Rev. Willie Sledge, Rev. L.H. Cameron, Rev. Verland Lister, Rev. Jesse Lucas and Rev. Anna M. Young as interim.
The first Deacons of the "A" Mountain of God were Bro. Oscar Hill, Bro. Sterling Wilbum and Bro. L.H. Tarver. Among the pioneers were Rev. & Mrs. William Woods, Rev & Mrs. Joseph Brazil, Rev & Mrs. William Lee, Bro. & Sis. Benjamin Scott, Bro. & Sis. Daniel Lee, Bro. & Sis. Jimmy Foley and Bro. & Sis. Sellie Herring among others.
In 1957 the congregation felt the need to construct a larger building. The little building was replaced. Rev. Clay Taylor and Rev. Charles Wilson Jr. built the new building along with the men of the church and their friends.
In 1964 the membership saw the need of having a parsonage. A three - bedroom house was built. In 1972 the church purchased a newly constructed building just east of the sanctuary. It is being used for Sunday school rooms, the Fellowship Hall and the Pastor's study.
The church name was changed from "A" Mountain Church of God to Westside Church of God in 1973 due to conflict with mail and back accounts of the "A" Mountain Church of God in Christ on San Marcos Blvd.
In 1983 Rev. Jesse Lucas Jr. carried the torch well in to the 80's & 90's. The fellowship hall was dedicated in honor of Bro. L.H. Tarver (Deacon Melvin Tarver's father). Rev. Gail Carter received her ordination in June 1994 under Pastor Lucas.
Now the millennium edition Rev. Sean St. Michael Bailey has been pastor since November 2000 to present. The church is really growing numerically and spiritually. Westside's next phase is to have the parking lot paved, followed by connecting the Sanctuary to the fellowship hall over the next few years. These improvements will allow us to seat over 400 souls.
As we reflect, we rejoice in the knowledge that the Lord has truly blessed us. We honor our founding fathers and mothers for their vision and spiritual wisdom in getting Westside started. We look forward with humility to the years ahead where we will continue to do God's will. Let us pray that through God's blessing we will continue to be obedient to His word and remain an empowering church. Pastor and Lady K thank God and for the leaders and members of Westside Church of God who have and continue to support the vision.