What if I told you that this church started with just 18 members. Yes West University Baptist Church began humbly. It started in 1928 thanks to Nannie David. West University Baptist Church has been a fixture in this community for almost a century.
West University Place itself has a fascinating history. It was developed in 1917. Ben Hooper a former Tennessee governor founded it. The name comes from its proximity to Rice Institute now Rice University. Streets in West University Place have unique names. Lillian Nicholson a Rice University English major named them. She drew inspiration from her English literature book. Many streets bear the names of famous authors.
West University Baptist Church once considered a land swap with the city. This happened around 2007. Some residents protested fearing eminent domain. The attempt failed in 2015 after much debate. It shows how deeply the church is intertwined with the community.
CityRise Church now occupies the West U Baptist campus. It hosts traditional worship at 830 am. Contemporary worship takes place at 1100 am. A Chinese service also occurs at 1100 am. CityRise aims to create a welcoming space. It encourages authentic encounters with Christ. Community groups are available for all ages. The welcome center can help you connect.
West University Place has a rich history beyond the church. The city incorporated in 1924 because Houston did not extend power lines. West University Place chose not to consolidate with Houston unlike Houston Heights. In 2018 24/7 Wall Street ranked West University Place the best city to live in. The city is known for its high quality of life.
West University Place is surrounded by Houston Bellaire and Southside Place. The boundaries are roughly Bellaire Boulevard Kirby Drive Bissonnet Road and Community Drive. The area is known for its affluent residents and well-maintained neighborhoods. West University Place has a strong sense of community.
The city has a council-manager form of government. The council includes the mayor and four city council members. Elections are non-partisan. Members serve two-year terms. The city manager oversees daily operations. The city also has its own fire and police departments.
West University Elementary School serves the area. Pershing Middle School and Lamar High School are also nearby. Many residents are highly educated. As of 2011 85% of adults had bachelor’s degrees. West University Place values education.
West University Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith and community. Its long history reflects the values of West University Place. From its humble beginnings to its current role as a CityRise campus this church continues to serve and inspire. It embodies the spirit of this unique neighborhood city. As you leave take a moment to appreciate the enduring legacy of West University Baptist Church and its place in the heart of West University Place.