Wayzata Community Church

What if walls could talk? What stories would they whisper about Wayzata Community Church? Here we stand before Wayzata Community Church. It’s more than just a building. It’s a testament to faith, growth, and community. The church’s story begins in 1951. A small Bible study group, led by Rose Fadden and Elvera Anderson, recognized a spiritual need in Wayzata. This simple gathering blossomed into the Wayzata Bible Class. In 1952, the group evolved. It first became the Wayzata Christian Fellowship and soon after, the Wayzata Evangelical Free Church. The church appointed its first full-time pastor, Richard Beals, who served from 1953 to 1955. Growth continued under Pastor Paul Berggren from 1955 to 1963. A milestone was reached between 1964 and 1966. The congregation built its first physical structure. This building, overseen by Pastor Al Bishop, still stands today as the Fellowship Hall and Main Office. Under Pastor Don Childs (1966-1977), the church needed more space. An education wing was added. Then, in 1977, Pastor John Vawter took the helm. He oversaw another expansion, the construction of the current sanctuary in 1984. The church thrived. Nurseries overflowed, classrooms were packed, and the sanctuary couldn’t contain the growing congregation. Pastor George Kenworthy guided the church through further growth from 1993 to 2008. Wayzata Community Church continued to adapt and expand. In 2017, the sanctuary was remodeled and a multi-purpose gym was added. This allowed the church to serve the community in new ways. Finally, in 2022, the church underwent a name change. It became Westgate Church, signifying its role as a gateway to faith for the western metro area. Wayzata Community Church, now Westgate Church, has a rich history woven into the fabric of Wayzata. It stands as a symbol of enduring faith and community connection.