Westminster Church

History and Connections

First Presbyterian Church of Gulfport helped us get our start in 1956. Neighbors and friends of the Bayou View community began meeting for Sunday school in what is now our Fellowship Hall. Then, just four years later, on March 27, 1960, one hundred twenty-one charter members, six ruling elders, and eight deacons, along with the organizing pastor, Rev. Frank A. Brooks, Jr., met and signed formal documents identifying this congregation as the newest member of the Presbyterian denominational family. Five years after that, on October 31, 1965, we dedicated our new sanctuary, pipe organ and beautiful stained-glass windows. And in September 1973 we completed work on the Christian Education Building, immediately south of the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. We dedicated our bell tower (pictured here) in March 1974 at the celebration of our fourteenth anniversary, and in the mid-1980's we added some additional space to the Fellowship Hall to accommodate our growth. A number of gifted pastors followed Rev. Brooks and have served our membership well through the years, including Rev. Albert "Shep" Crigler, III, Rev. August Schmitt, Jr., Rev. Carl Schlich, III, Rev. Robert Rovell, Rev. Richard Swayze, Rev. Robert Callaway, and currently, Rev. George Bendall.

Church Light


Westminster Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Presbytery of Mississippi.

Our Constitution consists of The Book of Confessions (Part I) and the Book of Order (Part II). And, our form of government is representative, just like our local, state, and federal government, with duly-elected elders (i.e. presbyters) providing oversight for the congregation. Fifteen elders serve in three classes for three-year terms.

The pastoral staff is complemented by an Administrative Secretary, Director of Music, Accompanist, Director of Youth Ministries and a host of volunteers.

 

 

 

 

 

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