The Wesson family arrived in Phoenix, Arizona in 1948. An Arkansas boy by birth, Garland E. Wesson came to the Valley to fulfill a dream; to build a Pentecostal church. After attending Apostolic College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he moved westward to Phoenix. He soon met Virginia Homes, the daughter of Apostolic pioneer Guy Homes. They were married in 1946. In 1948, Garland and Virginia pioneered the very first United Pentecostal Church in Phoenix Arizona - Apostolic Heritage Church. 

 

Reverend G. E. Wesson hosted a local radio show in the mid-1950's and 1960's. The church continued to thrive well into the 1980's under the ministry of the Wesson's. For many years they served as foster parents and their home was always open to wayward youth in need of loving guidance.