About Us

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In 1909, the first meeting of West Pullman Church of God was held in one of it’s organizing members home, under the leadership of Pastor Lena Daul. All the members where not English speaking, so they held service in the language that was more familiar to them. That language was German. In 1910, the members rented a local assembly hall on 119th-120th and Parnell and would also rent various churches in the West Pullman area to conduct worship. During this time, Pastor Zena Wruck would pastor along with Pastor Daul.

In 1930, a house was purchased on 118th and Yale and would be converted into West Pullman’s 1st church building. The 1st floor was developed into a sanctuary seating 100 people with a choir stand seating 30 and upstairs would be used as a parsonage.

In 1949, Pastor W.T. Wallace was called as pastor and would continue the initial building effort that was created by Pastor Marvin Proctor, who served as pastor from 1942-1949. In 1951, West Pullman moved into its current location at 322 W 119th St. Shortly afterwards, Pastor W.T. Wallace would retire, and his son Rev. Herbert Wallace would be called as the new pastor.

West Pullman Church of God would have serval pastor’s that would serve the church as well as community for the next years to come.

Pastor Melvin Moody 1960-1967

Pastor Edward G. McCullough 1968-1973

In 1973, Washington Boulevard Church of God, formerly on the West Side of Chicago, IL, would merge with West Pullman Church of God. Pastor Essex Alexander, who served as pastor of Washington Boulevard Church of God, would become West Pullman Church of God, Pastor of the Christian Education Department. Under the leadership of Senior Pastor Rev. Eddie Downey. 

For the next 10yrs, 2 pastors would serve the West Pullman Congregation.

Pastor Eddie Downey 1973-1980

Pastor Benjamin Leon 1980-1983

In 1983, God knew that for West Pullman Church of God to make an impact on the community and city it serves, a pastor that would have stability and faithful leadership was needed. The church would call Pastor Samuel Strachan to serve as the new pastor. During his service came new development of programs, relationships and achievements for West Pullman Church of God. Pastor Strachan would retire in December 2017 and would be recognized as the longest serving pastor of West Pullman Church of God, having served for 34yrs.

In February 2018, West Pullman Church of God called a new pastor.  Pastor Josh Reese, would begin pastoring on the 1st Sunday of March 2018. Seeing that the previous pastor was loved by the congregation and community so much, Pastor Reese and the West Pullman Church of God would honor their Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Samuel Strachan, with an annual day to be held the 1st Sunday of December. Pastor Reese upholds the legacy that has been laid before him and has empowered the church to be known as, “The Place of Peace and Love”.

God has truly blessed West Pullman Church of God with more than 100yrs of ministry and we shall look forward to the next season God will allow West Pullman Church of God to walk in.

Pastor Josh Reese graduated from Robert Morris College acquiring an Associates of Applied Science in Business Administration. He also attended Hope Bible Institute and Seminary where he acquired two degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Charismatic Arts and a Masters in Biblical Studies.

Born and raised in Dixmoor, Illinois, Pastor Reese ministry would take him to Northwest Indiana where he would become the organizer and senior pastor of House of True Worship of Gary, Indiana in January 2012. In 2015, Pastor Reese would be elevated to the Office of Overseer of Northwest Indiana Antioch Network of Churches and Ministries under Presiding Bishop Tavis Grant. 

In March of 2018, Pastor Reese territory was enlarged as he was elected as the pastor of West Pullman Church of God of Chicago, IL. Pastor Reese enjoys leading while serving and humbles himself to walk worthy of the vocation and charge that has been given to him.

Pastor Reese is married to the beautiful Mrs. Tomeka Reese and have 3 handsome Sons, Dontrell, Joshua and Dontae. The Lord has gifted and anointed Pastor Reese with a loving family and dynamic ministry to impact the lives of all