History of Westview Baptist Church

The first part of June, 1959 I was approached by men from Central Baptist Church and Liberty Baptist Church to start a Church in Gatesville.  Mr. David Wilson stated there was an abandoned building deserted by the Assembly of God, across the street from his Grocery Store, that we might purchase for a Church building. 

We then enquired about the building, we could purchase it for $150.00 down and $50.00 per month with no interest, we purchased the building. After much work cleaning and purchasing a piano, pews were given by the members of Keener Chapel, which had closed up.  We had a weeks preaching service and on Saturday night June 20th, 1959 Westview Baptist Church became in existence.  Brother T. A. Littlefield was the moderator and Sister Lillian Gilchrest was the Church clerk and treasurer.  Then they called me (M. V. Hemphill) for their first pastor.  The next day being Sunday, Carroll Hemphill and David Wilson were baptized into the Church.

Central Baptist Church and Liberty Baptist Church was the sponsoring churches, the people wanted a Church closer to where they lived and worked.  Keener Chapel the only church close had closed and many of the people who went there came to Westview Baptist Church.

      M. V. Hemphill    ---   Updated August 25, 2001