Foundational History

Elder Claude H. & Stella Parson

In February 1965, the late Bishop C.C. Cox gave Elder Claude H. Parson, Jr. an appointment to continue the church work in Carver Park, Nevada (Henderson).

The following month, Elder and Sister Parson, their children, Mother Inez Henry and Deacon and Missionary Fields met in the Community Center for the first service. This area, thirteen miles from Las Vegas, became a proving ground for Elder and Sister Parson's ministry. The church was in the center of a county housing project. The citizens of the community were mostly transients, and very unstable. However, these few walked the streets, passed out tracts, talked with people they met, visited homes, recruited children for Sunday School, and prayed and fasted continuously for God to add souls to the little church.

Thank God they did not have to "go it" alone. For soon those who could sing and those with helping hands came. Some came to teach the children to sing, while others came to play the piano and help with devotion. There were those who came to teach and help with the formation of Sunday School. Others came simply because they missed the fellowship with the Parsons. The little mission that was destined to become Vegas View Church of God in Christ had found favor with God.

Before the year ended, God said to Elder Parson, "I have blessed you and you know that I am with you, but this is not the place to let down your bucket. Go back to North Las Vegas. I have a vineyard there that's ready for harvest."

In March 1966, this little group, after many trying experiences, started services in a storefront on East Lake Mead Boulevard. The City of North Las Vegas gave them six months to hold service there until another place could be found. Meanwhile Elder Parson used his personal tithes to buy land for the church. He took all the peoples tithing and put them in a Church Building Fund. By June of 1966, plans were drawn up and approved by the City. The little group was ready to build a church next to the Jo Makey Elementary School. Brother Tony McCormick noticed on the plot plan that the area was called "Vegas View Tract," and recommended that they name the new church "Vegas View" (a look at Vegas).

But God had other plans. A Methodist Church worshipping in the Congregational Church four blocks away were ready to move into their new church home and ready to sell, God's plan unfolded. He had the way already made. Before the six months were up in the storefront, a completed church was in their hands. HALLELUJAH! "I will give you vineyards you didn't plant and houses you didn't build," said the Lord.

On a Sunday afternoon in July 1966, fourteen members and a host of friends marched down Lake Mead Boulevard to Glider Street, then down Glider Street to 1906, and there they worshipped the Lord for his many blessings.

The First Congregational Church (from whom we were buying the church) was asking $51,000 for the property with $20,000 down. We had only $10,000 in savings, but Elder Parson convinced the realtors that in one year we would have the other $10,000 plus pay $350 a month until the final papers were signed in 1968.

From 1968-1975, Pastor Parson continued to work for the Clark County School District as a teacher, principal, and central office administrator. All tithes collected from members during these years went to the church. In August 1975, Pastor Parson resigned from the school district for full-time ministry. The Lord said, "That's enough, no man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this world, that he may please Him that called him to be a soldier." The following year as the church continued to grow, we started a remodeling program that increased the size of the church by one third and was completed in December of 1976.

In September 1977 our childcare nursery began in cooperation with the EOB. In 1978 the church took over the total program. The Mason Bible College held its first classes in 1977 in an effort to develop teachers, ministers, and missionaries in the Gospel ministry.

On September 10, 1978 we were blessed to have our mortgage burning ceremony. The church was completely paid for, including remodeling.

In August 1982, we purchased property at 1919 and 1921 Glider Street in an effort to establish our Mission Center/Outreach Program. The members of the church set up our present Counseling Center Program with Missionary Stella Parson as the director. After Missionary Parson's retirement in January 1986, the Counseling Center was opened on a full time basis. It provides services for members of the Church of God in Christ and their families. The Counseling Center is supported by donations. Also established, a Thrift Shop and Store House to provide emergency food and clothing for the needy.

In 1984 we completed construction of the Education Building and the Mason Bible College. This was almost a totally "do-it-yourself" project, with brothers of the church pitching in with their special skills. They contributed in every way possible to help complete the project. The Education Building was opened on June 15, 1985 and has been utilized for Sunday School, Y.P.W.W., Boy's Club, and the Mason Bible College. The vision came to fruition.

Since the inception of Vegas View, Pastor and Mother Parson have commissioned 23 churches and ministries in various parts of the world.

In October 1992, Pastor Parson shared the "continued" vision with us. We purchased the property for this Vision (on Lake Mead near Revere) and he said: Our land purchase will provide a base for the Church in the 21st century.

Elder Parson continued saying, "I cannot see how this will be done especially in my time. "But the just shall live by faith…" (Hebrews 10:30)

In September of 1998 Elder Claude Parson was called from labor to reward. In December of the same year Elder Mason was given the awesome task of leading the Vegas View members.

Our Vision and History continue…