Our History

Due to the love that had grown among the members of the former South Florida District, the Superintendents of the Daytona Beach, South Florida, and Tampa districts agreed to establish a Tri-District Assembly in January 1990.  The worship and fellowship were so powerful and reviving, that they decided to make this an annual celebration.  Each year, thereafter, the Tri-District Assembly has been held during the month of January.

 

Elder Samuel Stevenson, Pastor of Polk City Church of God by Faith, was appointed as the first District Father.  After his demise, in 1991, Elder Thomas Faison, Jr. was appointed as the Father of the Tampa District.  In July 1993, the Supreme Council made the decision to change the name of the Tampa district to the Tampa West Coast District.

 

The district grew in knowledge, faithfulness, wisdom and membership under the leadership of District Elder Landers. During the year of 2004, after being commissioned by the Lord to establish a church in the city of Bartow, Florida, the Bartow Church of God by Faith Mission came to pass under the leadership of Elder Thomas Faison, Jr. In 2007, the Bartow Mission was set-up as a church.

 

After serving as District Superintendent of the Tampa Westcoast District for nineteen years, Elder Landers transitioned on May 16, 2008.  At that time, Elder James E. Williams, who was serving as the pastor of Fort Myers Church of God by Faith was appointed as the pastor of Tampa Church of God by Faith and Interim District Superintendent.  After successfully carrying the baton of Interim District Superintendent since the demise of Elder Landers, in December 2008, Elder Williams was appointed as the Tampa Westcoast District’s second Superintendent.

 

Under District Supt. Williams’ leadership, a work was started in Tarpon Springs and a mission in Sarasota.  Both were closed in 2012 and 2013 respectively.  In May 2009, the Lord blessed the district with the establishment of the St. Petersburg Church of God by Faith Mission under the leadership of Minister Anthony Landers.

 

With the transition of Elder Anthony Landers 2017 (pastor of Kingdom COGBF St Petersburg) and Elder Calvin McDonald 2021 (pastor of New Life COGBF Fort Myers), new leaders were added to TWC District.  Today, the Tampa West Coast District is seven churches and one mission strong; and it continues to grow and prosper in the Lord.