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1992
Pastor Stewart Receives Vision to Start a Church
While on a mission trip to Russia with Pastor Maynard Weisbroad, Pastor Leonardo Stewart was given a vision from God to start a church named Siloam Freewill Church. The name 'Siloam,' which means 'sent,' comes from John 9:7, where Jesus ‘sent’ the blind man to wash in the pool of Siloam.
1993
Siloam Celebrates First Worship Service
Pastor Larry Rice (Church of God) allowed the use of their facility at 5665 E. 29th Street. On February 14, Siloam Freewill Church held its first service with 13 attendees.
1994
Siloam Services Move to Winmore St Church
By August the church quickly grew to 60–70 members, outgrowing the facility, and moved to the church building at 1702 S. Winmore Street.
1995
Siloam Secures C&MA Building on Adams St.
Seeking a larger space, Pastor Stewart was led to 628 E. Adams Street (formerly First Alliance Church). The congregation secured the building for $450/month rent and held its first service there in January 1995.
1996
Siloam Welcomes New Pastor Otis F. Brown Jr.
In August, Pastor Stewart left to plant a new church in Cleveland, Ohio, briefly leaving Siloam without a pastor. Soon after, Siloam welcomed their new Pastor Otis F. Brown Jr. On December 15th, Pastor Brown delivered his first sermon as Siloam’s new pastor to a congregation of about 30. Under his leadership, membership soon grew to 125.
1997
Pastor Brown Marries Sis. Lendor Marks
Pastor Brown and Sister Lendor Marks were united in marriage, and since then they have become a dynamic team in ministering to the needs of God's people.
1998
Siloam Purchases Church from C&MA
In May, Siloam purchased its building for $200,000. Numerous improvements followed, including a sound booth, ceiling fans, a lighted marquee sign, valance lighting in the sanctuary, landscaping updates, and full-building air conditioning. In November, Siloam was officially incorporated in Arizona.
2000
Siloam Launches Cell Groups
Siloam launched its Cell Group Ministry, meeting in multiple member's homes throughout the week.
2002
Joined C&MA Short-term Mission to Haiti
Pastor Brown and his ministry team joined the C&MA African-American Alliance for a short-term mission trip to Haiti, blessing an orphanage, investing in local ministries, and conducting a leadership conference for pastors.
2005
Investments in Major Renovation Projects
The Joe Shafe Family financed a basketball court on the west lot. Pastor Brown’s sister, Rita Brown of Portland, Oregon, financed new tile for the entry and fellowship hall. Pastor Brown remodeled a dedicated Prayer Room. The 52 Evangelism Ministry was formed to serve the community providing meals and clothing every Friday.
2007
2nd Service, Growth Groups & Jail Ministry
Siloam expanded to two Sunday services at 9 AM & 11 AM and transitioned from Sunday School to midweek Growth Groups for the entire family. Pastor Brown began serving as a Chaplain at Pima County Jail, where he has ministered for over 18 years. Siloam members also started an outreach at the Wilmot Prison.
2013
Live Streaming, Renovations & Mortgage paid
Live streaming of the 11 AM Sunday service began, reaching a global audience. The "Jarett Reidhead Parking Lot" was dedicated after a contractor covered 85% of the costs. Pastor Brown also installed a paver sidewalk between the new parking lot and the church . In November, the church celebrated the property mortgage being “Paid in Full”. Praise God!
2016
Launch of Siloam Teen Church
In April, a significant portion of the education building was remodeled for the youth ministry. Siloam Teen Church (STC) launched on Easter Sunday with 40 youth in attendance. God has continually provided faithful workers for the Youth ministry.
2017
Official name change to Siloam Christian Church
On May 21, the church officially changed its name from “Siloam Freewill Church” to "Siloam Christian Church", reflecting its mission. Evaporative coolers in the Children's Church building were replaced with new air conditioning units thanks to member donations.
2018
New Staff brought on for College Outreach
A Young Adult leader named Aaron Scott joined the staff, expanding the church outreach to the University of Arizona and Pima college students residing in the church neighborhood.
2019
Siloam prepares to plant new mobile church.
The church was very excited about plans and fundraising efforts for Siloam's first church plant, "To Go Christian Church“. Siloam members raised almost $15K to help launch this mobile ministry to operate outside of the church walls. Pastors Aaron and Modupeola Scott were installed to be the first Pastors of ‘To Go Christian Church’.
2020
COVID-19 Adjustments and Social Change
Siloam suspended services for 3 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic which disrupted the world, transforming social behavior. After May 17th, in-person services resumed once safety measures were implemented to limit contact and exposure. The church returned to a single 11 AM Sunday service and weekly Growth Groups transitioned to Zoom, embracing virtual ministry. There were many adjustments we all had to make in learning new social platforms. The Praise & Worship ministry played a vital role in keeping the church strong, becoming a great source of encouragement.
2021
Launch of 'To Go Christian' Church
Despite continued disruptions, Siloam never closed its doors during Covid-19 restrictions. "To Go Christian Church" officially launched under Pastors Aaron and Modupeola Scott, ministering to the surrounding community. Headed by Deaconess Katie Randall and Brother Michael Jackson, streaming of Sunday services expanded to Facebook Live, YouTube, and the Siloam website.
2022
New Audio, Video, Web, & Streaming ministries
Siloam established new leadership roles to manage the Audio/Video/Streaming ministries and the SCC Virtual Ministry. Sis. Tania Diaz-Crockett became SCC’s Digital Production Manager over the Audio/Video & Streaming Ministry. Min. Nicole Davis became SCC’s Website Administrator & Digital Media Manager, overseeing the Virtual Ministries. Zelle became a primary method for online financial contributions.
2023
Post-COVID Resurgence of Ministry & Outreach
Siloam Growth Groups transitioned from Zoom virtual meetings back to in-person gatherings on Wednesday evenings, separated into men’s, women’s, teens, and children’s groups. However, the 9 AM service was not reinstated post-COVID, with the church continuing to offer a single 11 AM service. Other services provided by Siloam ministers during this time include: The Christ for Disciples 10 men’s halfway house, where hundreds of men gave their lives to God, were discipled, and some eventually joined SCC. Siloam’s 52 Evangelism meal distribution ministry, which was resumed post-COVID by Deaconesses Diane Hilliard and Jeane Andrade, has continued to grow in both spirit and outreach—faithfully serving the community’s needs with meals and clothing. GriefShare support groups, hosted at Siloam and facilitated primarily by Chaplain Anna Marie Gomez, became a vital resource for the broader community, especially during the pandemic. A new Discipleship curriculum, launched for Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM, provided members with deeper opportunities to grow in their faith.
2024
Equipped for the Call, Empowered for the Future
Pastor Keith Hilliard was elevated to the role of Executive Pastor, serving alongside Deaconess Diane Hilliard in continued leadership. During this time, SCC upgraded to a fully digital audio and video system, enhancing the church’s ability to reach and minister effectively. Throughout the years, Siloam has faithfully raised up and equipped pastors, deacons, and ministry leaders—many of whom are now serving across the city and throughout the nation. We gratefully honor the lives and legacies of Pastors William Dixon and Floyd Brown, who have gone home to be with the Lord.
Present
Honoring the Past, Embracing What’s Ahead
Today, Siloam Christian Church remains a growing and vibrant witness for Christ in the Tucson community. The story of Siloam is far from over—every member is part of writing the next chapter, and we believe with confidence that the best is yet to come. Praise God!
