American Indian College: Archive: Our Beginnings

Phoenix All Tribes Indian Assembly opened in 1947 at 4123 E Washington St. in Phoenix, AZ. Over the course of 75 years, the church opened what we know now as SAGU AIC, made several moves, had many pastors, and changed its name to All Tribes Christian Fellowship. In 2021, Revolution Ministries came over the church. In 2022, the church changed its name to Revolution Midtown. The church is currently pastored by James Villa, an AIC alumnus. To learn more about the church, click here. 

Choosing the Jesus Way

In 2009, Angela Tarango wrote her dissertation on the Assemblies of God's home missions to American Indians and the development of a Pentecostal Indian identity. This dissertation regularly mentions Alta Washburn, All Tribes Bible School, and other related developments in SAGU AIC history. 

"All Tribes Church Multiplies Its Ministry"

This 1-page article made its appearance in the Pentecostal Evangel on September 12, 1971. The article discusses the state of All Tribes Indian Assembly and its order to move locations due to freeway construction. 

"A Wild Bull"

Alta Washburn recalls the story of a time she was called to a young woman’s deathbed. After praying for God’s healing, God miraculously healed the woman, who accepted Christ and became a member of All Tribes.

"Let the Indian Speak"

Alta Washburn briefly reflects on the time a young Native girl got saved during a service at All Tribes Indian Assembly.

"Our First Indian Funeral"

Alta Washburn writes about her experience attending her first Native American funeral. She notes that out of death, God brought life, as it was the home of the grieving family that God birthed All Tribes Indian Assembly.

"The Giants"

Alta Washburn reflects on the conversion of the Sampson family at All Tribes Indian Assembly.

"A Gold Ring"

Alta Washburn writes of the ministry of the Samson brothers, members of All Tribes Church, and another pastor named Brother Dryden. This is sort of a part 2 of “The Giants.”

In 1957, while pastoring Phoenix All Tribes Indian Assembly, Alta Washburn founded All Tribes Bible School (ATBS). ATBS met at the church site, 4123 E Washington Street. During this time, ATBS was also known as All Tribes Indian Bible Institute (ATIBI). Thirty-two students from Navajo, Apache, Pima, and Papago tribes enrolled the first semester. To view photos from the days of ATBS, click here. 

Choosing the Jesus Way

In 2009, Angela Tarango wrote her dissertation on the Assemblies of God's home missions to American Indians and the development of a Pentecostal Indian identity. This dissertation heavily mentions Alta Washburn, All Tribes Bible School, and other related developments in SAGU AIC history. 

All Tribes Indian Bible Training School Flyer

This flyer provides an overview of the school for prospective students for the first school year, 1957-1958. Take a look to see what it was like in the days when tuition was $20 per year!

All Tribes Indian Bible Institute Leaflet

This leaflet outlines the state of All Tribes Indian Bible Institute during the 1965-1966 school year. It includes statistics, names of current students, and pictures of many familiar faces, such as Joe Hanna, Betty Hanna, and Don Ramsey.

“My God Shall Supply All Your Needs”

A list of and thank you for those who contributed funds and items to All Tribes Indian Bible Institute, written by Alta Washburn.

“Honorable Mention”

Written by Alta Washburn, this tells the story of the Samson family. Ten members of the family enrolled in All Tribes Bible School in 1957. In the midst of tragedy, the family also financially supported the school. Here, Alta thanks them for their contributions to the school.

"A Toothache"

Alta Washburn tells a story of God’s immediate provision during one of the first years of the Bible school.

"Goliath Roared"

Over 30 years after the school’s creation, Alta Washburn describes her call to create All Tribes Bible School, the “giants” the school faced, how God miraculously supplied every need, and how every giant fell.

"The Harvest Rally"

Alta Washburn writes of the many times that God provided food for the students at All Tribes Bible School.

Giving Letter: "American Indians for Christ"

This letter, written by Alta Washburn, describes the spiritual needs of the Native American community and her call to serve them. She asks readers to send an offering to the school.

“A Christmas Blessing”

Alta Washburn describes a Christmas she will never forget, one where the Holy Spirit poured out in powerful ways on the students of All Tribes Indian Bible Institute.

In 1967, the school changed its name to American Indian Bible Institute (AIBI). At that time, it became a regional school of the Assemblies of God. In 1968, AIBI  purchased 10 acres of land at 10020 N. 15th Avenue. This plot of land is where the school is located to this day. To view photos from the days of AIBI, click here. 

Choosing the Jesus Way

In 2009, Angela Tarango wrote her dissertation on the Assemblies of God's home missions to American Indians and the development of a Pentecostal Indian identity. This dissertation heavily mentions Alta Washburn, All Tribes Bible School, and other related developments in SAGU AIC history. 

American Indian Bible Institute Donation Envelope

The school has always been supported by faithful givers. This envelope is one that donors would have used during the time of AIBI. 

Dorothy Cummings Memorial Library History Survey

Yvonne Daly Hunter was the first librarian of the school. In this interview, she remembers the beginnings of what is now known as Dorothy Cummings Memorial Library.

In 1982, the school changed its name to American Indian Bible College (AIBC) and received regional accreditation. Because of this, the school awarded its first A.A. degree in 1983 and its first B.A. degree in 1985. The school continued to grow in students, buildings, and finances. To view photos from the days of AIBC, click here. 

Choosing the Jesus Way

In 2009, Angela Tarango wrote her dissertation on the Assemblies of God's home missions to American Indians and the development of a Pentecostal Indian identity. This dissertation heavily mentions Alta Washburn, All Tribes Bible School, and other related developments in SAGU AIC history. 

In 1994, the school changed its name to American Indian College of the Assemblies of God. In 2007, the AIC celebrated 50 years of higher education to Native American students. To view photos from the days of AIC, click here. 

Choosing the Jesus Way

In 2009, Angela Tarango wrote her dissertation on the Assemblies of God's home missions to American Indians and the development of a Pentecostal Indian identity. This dissertation heavily mentions Alta Washburn, All Tribes Bible School, and other related developments in SAGU AIC history.