Where I Live: Putting down roots in Westcliff

By Joel McAlister

My name is Joel McAlister. I am a priest at a new church in Fort Worth named St. Brigid Episcopal Church, located in the Near Southside neighborhood. My family and I moved into our house in the Westcliff neighborhood a little over two years ago, in July of 2023, from Tyler, Texas. 

It took some time for us to feel settled in Fort Worth, since my wife and I were starting new jobs and our children, now 5 years old and 2 years old, were attending brand new schools. During the first couple of months in our new neighborhood, we decided to plant a tree in our front yard. We had talked to a few of our neighbors and learned that there had never been a tree planted on this lot as long as anyone could remember. So, we went to a tree nursery and picked out the hardiest live oak we could find. 

It felt like it was our little offering to the property that would eventually outlive our time here, and it acknowledged our family putting down its roots.

Beginning January 2024, the city let us know our streets would be under construction to update the neighborhood’s water and sewage pipes. This wasn’t just run-of-the-mill repaving of the roads; this was trenches 8 feet wide and 10 feet deep. Dust and mud were everywhere. One could have called it “Westcliff’s Mini Dustbowl of ’24.” 

During this time, there would be one or two neighbors we’d see outside, but it was uncommon to see a lot of activity due to all the obstacles and grime everywhere. I’d go out to our newly planted live oak and rinse its leaves off with the hose because it would be covered with a fine layer of dust daily. That first year was hard not only for our new tree, but for our family, too. We couldn’t let the kids out to ride their bikes or scooters for a full season. We couldn’t take an evening stroll when the weather turned nice because the road was too bumpy for our newborn’s stroller. It was easy to feel isolated.

All that changed in May of 2025. The holes were all filled, the concrete was laid, new sod was planted, and the roads were finally paved! We celebrated by taking out all of our wheeled toys and riding them up and down the streets all afternoon. Since then, my family has taken a walk almost every morning. I think I have met at least five new families from the neighborhood this summer alone. 

It feels so good to be known and to know the people who live around us. We talked about blocking off the street — but not for a full year this time — and having a neighborhood party this fall when the weather cools. I hope we do! 

Through it all, our little live oak tree has grown a couple of feet since we planted it, and our little family has grown to love and care for the neighborhood we call home.

Joel McAlister is a pastor at St. Brigid Episcopal Church. He’s lived in Westcliff with his wife and children since 2023.