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Our Church History

Bishop William A. Webb began his Alaska pastorship in October of 1970 when he assumed the pastorate of All Nations House of Prayer from Elder Easter who moved to California. At that time, All Nations was located on Rowan Street off of Dowling Road. In 1971, Bishop Webb and four other members purchased the former church of Greater Friendly Temple Church Of God In Christ located at 1211 Karluk Street on the first Sunday in May. They renamed the church to Antioch Church Of God In Christ. The name Antioch has a unique biblical history found in Acts 11:26: And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Although at times it seemed as though the only member was his devoted wife, Mother Janie Webb (who was the sole musician), Bishop Webb never doubted God. In Time Antioch membership increased. The charter members include Mother Janie Mae Webb, the Easter family, Elder Dwight and Willa Stewart, and Brother Walden. Other Members that joined include the late Mother McCurry, Brother Parks and the longest serving member, Mother Claudia Topps. The first Assistant Pastor was Elder Dwight Stewart, Bishop Webb’s son-in-law, followed by Elder Larry Melton, and Elder David Smith. The Elders were the late Elder Odell Townsend, Elder Alexis L. Odom, Elder Thomas and Elder Nathaniel Neal. Mother Bertha Russell served with Bishop Webb as the Church Mother for many years. Under the leadership of Bishop W. A. Webb, many have been licensed to preach, teach, and pastor. A bishop has even emerged from Antioch.
Following the home going of Bishop W. A. Webb, the late Superintendent Odell Townsend became the Pastor in the fall of 1991 where he served for seven years. His assistant pastors were Elder James M. Willis and Elder T. Tyronne Champion. After Superintendent Odell Townsend was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Elder Willis was appointed Pastor of Antioch by Bishop C. D. Williams on March 15, 1998. Mother Susie M. Ford serves faithfully with Pastor Willis as the Church Mother.
On September 17, 2004, the church experienced an electrical fire that destroyed the entire sanctuary. During this time, Antioch received overwhelming community support through many generous donations. Despite this devastating event, Antioch’s doors were never closed and its members continued to worship the Lord around the corner in a member’s day care facility. Now We are back in our new sanctuary praise God.
Under the vision and leadership of Pastor Willis Antioch has had a name change from Antioch Church Of God In Christ to New Antioch Church Of God In Christ. New Antioch continues to grow and remains a beacon of light to the city of Anchorage, Alaska.
Honorable Mention:
Bishop T. Tyronne & Evangelist Felicia Champion
Superintendent Gabriel J. Hatcher, Sr.
Overseer Wendell Robinson
Mother Bertha Russell (Former Church Mother)
Mother Townsends (Former First Lady) Evangelist Dorothy Deans
Mother Marie Odom
Pastor Glen V. & Evangelist Linda Ratcliff
District Missionary Wanda Peel
Evangelist Carrie Walden-Odom (Former Church Mother)
Deaccon James Ford Elder Travis
Evangelist Doris A. Sanders
Evangelist Bontheia Chapman
Evangelist Shawn Robins
Deaconess Missionary Julia Rogers
Pastor Larry Lewis
Minister Webb
Minister Mason
Mother Wilma Neal
Elder Maurice and Deconess Missionary Shirley Durman Mother Madie Watts
Mother Dunn (Former Church Mother)
Mother Juanita Felix
Mother Rebecca Kenny (Former Church Mother)
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