50th Celebration 1961 - 2011
 50th Anniversary Memory Walk Slide Show 
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In August of 1959, twenty people met in the home of the J.O.Archers to discuss the possibilities of a church in West Hills. From this nucleus the work was started and on Sunday, October 4, 1959, the first service was held in the West Hills Elementary School with 57 persons present. Reverend James A. Ivey, Associate Pastor of the First Baptist Church, preached the first sermon. Mr. Archer was elected Sunday school superintendent. A few weeks later, Dr. Douglas Harris, Professor of Bible at Carson-Newman College, came to serve as interim-pastor. In August of 1960, Reverend Andrew J. Prince was called as the first full-time pastor of the church. By October of 1960, the West Hills Baptist had grown to 35 families and had a budget of $40,000. First Baptist Church gave $25,000 toward the first building and three families gave 8 1/3 acres of land on which to build the church. October 1959 – West Hills Baptist began meeting at West Hills Elementary School October 1960 – Dr. Prince began as the pastor of the church October 1961 – The church holds services in the newly constructed building |
CDs of the photos are memorabilia from the 50th Anniversary Celebration are available. Please contact the church office to make arrangements to receive a copy. |
