Pastor Bryce & Lady Jewell Melancon
Pastor Bryce Melancon, native of New Orleans, LA, has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Youth Pastor, Assistant Pastor, Associate Pastor, and Elder. Having accepted Christ at 15, he accepted the call to preach at 17, at Moments of Miracles House of Prayer
in Las Vegas, Nevada, and served as a youth leader at St. John COGIC. His ministry journey has taken him across the United States and abroad, including impactful seasons of pastoral service in Adak, Alaska, and Misawa, Japan, where he preached the Gospel, led worship, developed outreach ministries, and strengthened believers through biblical teaching. Throughout the years, Pastor Bryce has demonstrated a consistent passion for building people and advancing the Kingdom of God. He served faithfully under the late Apostle James A. Archie and Dr. Marie Archie of Moments of Blessings House of Prayer in Fresno, California, where he received his Elder’s Ordination. He and his wife pioneered Word of Truth Ministries in Hanford, California for ten years, while also launching prison and radio ministries throughout the Central Valley. After completing that season, he was led to return to his home church, where he faithfully served as Associate Pastor for ten years. In 2023, after a season of prayer and confirmation, he accepted the call to serve as Pastor of Southside Church of God in Hanford, California. He was vetted and affirmed by Chairman Chris Conedy and Bishop Paul Binion of the Interstate Association of the Church of God. Pastor Bryce is committed to reaching and teaching the total man—spirit, soul, and body—and carries a vision to impact the local community, the Central Valley, and
beyond.
Lady Jewell Melancon has been a tremendous supporter of her husband in every divine assignment. She is called as a prayer intercessor and operates prophetically as led by the Holy Spirit. She currently leads the Women’s Ministry at Southside Church of God and ministers to women in various settings. Pastor Bryce and Lady Jewell have been married for 39 years and are blessed with a loving family, including their three children, one son who is resting in peace, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Southside Church History
The Southside Church of God has a very beautiful and rich history. The church, currently located at 900
S. Harris Street in Hanford, California, has been a blessing to the community since its inception. Very active and involved pastors have led the church in helping to make an impact on countless lives throughout the years.
Dating back to 1926, the nucleus of the church was formed when a few dedicated Christians started meeting in the home of Mr. William J. Harding, Sr. at 115 E. Second Street with Rev. John Leonard serving as their minister. After two years of worship meetings in the Harding home, several moves were made to other homes of believers. Approximately ten years later, they were found holding services in an old horse stable at Second and Harris streets. By 1938 the group had acquired a piece of property located on Harris Street between Third and Fourth streets. By this time, Rev. Joseph Brazil was selected to serve as pastor of the congregation, along with the assistance of his wife, Rev. Sis. Viola Brazil. The congregation constructed a wooden frame building at 200E. Third Street, and the site also served as the permanent location for the annual Interstate Camp Meeting of the Church of God. Known as the "golden years" of the church, many fond memories are held of the church from its old location and the great experiences in the Lord that were shared at camp meeting time under the great tent.
Rev. C. T. Boyd was called as Pastor in November of 1959. While serving as pastor, the 198 freeway made its claim on properties along Third and Fourth streets thus forcing relocation upon the church and many of its neighbors. Property that was owned by the congregation on West Sixth Street was initially considered as the new site for the church; however, the decision was made to purchase and utilize lots in the Robertson's Addition on South Harris Street. Under Pastor Boyd's leadership and the hard work of the members, a church building was constructed on the present location of 900 S. Harris Street. Approximately two years later, a new sanctuary was completed by Larry Blanchard Construction in 1963, and the previous sanctuary was converted to accommodate Sunday school classes and serve as a social hall. Two-unit apartments were built to the south of the property, the largest of which was used as a parsonage.
Following the leadership of Rev. C.T. Boyd, those serving the congregation as pastor include: Rev. Harold C. Clark, Rev. Sawak Sarju, Rev. C. Walter Brazil, Rev. Bennie Calip, Rev. Oscar Lacy (interim), and Rev. Eugene Lewis. In 2007, Rev. Brenda Bowen was selected as pastor and continues presently in that capacity. Under the anointed, visionary leadership of Pastor Bowen, the church's name was modified to "Southside Church of God ... Lighthouse of Faith." With Pastor Bowen's guidance, the church was renovated and underwent many upgrades. Furthering the legacy of changing lives and having a strong community impact. Pastor Bowen and the congregation continued to be a beacon of light to the lost, a source of hope to the downtrodden, and a community for 15 years until she was called home to Glory in 2022. She "FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH."