Did you know Westside Baptist Church began with a vision in 1983? Pastor Ben Smith of Lakeland Baptist Church dreamed of an African American church in Lewisville TX.
Westside Baptist Church has a rich history. It shows dedication and growth. The church started small but has become a significant place of worship.
Rev Roosevelt Brown led the first service. It was March 8 1984. Fifty members gathered at the Gulf Car Wash in Lewisville Texas. The congregation grew. They created ministries and programs. This organized the new church.
In 1989 Pastor Brown moved to California. Rev Kenneth Blake became pastor. He was a faithful bible teacher. He served as Westside’s bi vocational pastor.
The congregation grew quickly. They outgrew the car wash. In 1991 they moved. It was to their newly built worship center at 802 Bellaire Blvd. It was in Lewisville Texas.
Westside Baptist Church expanded its campus. They added an educational wing and a Family Life Center. This met the church’s growing needs.
In 2002 Westside broke ground on a new worship center. It was at 900 Bellaire Blvd. They moved in December 2004. After 25 years Pastor Blake’s assignment ended.
In 2018 Dr Delvin Atchison became Interim Pastor. He was the Director of Texas Baptist’s Great Commission. In 2019 he was elected Senior Pastor.
The Covid 19 pandemic changed things. Westside Baptist Church expanded its digital presence. It broadened its footprint using social media. “Imagine More” became Westside’s invitation. They wanted people to see possibilities from God’s perspective. They created safe spaces for the congregation and community.
Westside launched a monthly magazine. It featured encouraging articles and pictures. It also included notices of future events. They launched “The Brief”. This was a weekly announcement of meetings deadlines and events. Westside hosted Ricky Dillard and New G. They hosted their first Funday Sunday. This celebrated unity and appreciated WBC volunteers.
Rev Rosalind Spencer retired. She was the Children’s Pastor after 20 years. Min Jai McIver became Generations Pastor. Sis Whitney Milson was hired. She became the Children’s Activity Director. Rev Carlos Francis was hired. He was a consultant and Engagement Pastor. He was also the Christian Discipleship Teaching Coordinator. Rev Lee Williams was hired too. He was a Consultant and Connections Pastor. He co developed Westside Worldwide.
The Imagine More Committee presented plans. These were for children and youth spaces. A multi purpose gymnasium was planned. Peter Brown rendered the designs. Each family was asked to commit money over three years. This was for the Imagine More capital campaign. Rev Henry Marshall stepped down. He was replaced by Rev Carlos Francis. Sis Gail Prince was named servant leader. She led Sunday Morning Bible Study. Fortieth anniversary plans began.
Over 40 years Westside has ministered to thousands. It continues to evolve. It delivers the Gospel in our changing society. Westside Baptist Church also focuses on missions. They desire to obey Christ’s instructions. They establish missions programs and support missionaries.
Their efforts began in El Salvador. Westside partnered with believers there in 2013. They set out to rescue young people from violence. They wanted to win souls for Christ. The church grew. Most members are children and young people. They evangelize from house to house. They train youth in evangelism. The church has other ministries too. The Good Samaritan ministry helps meet food needs. They share the gospel. They offer English classes. This provides another opportunity to share Christ’s love.
Westside Baptist Church is a Christ centered church. It is family oriented. It reaches out to the community with compassion. Its goal is to make Jesus Christ known.