Westgate Church of Christ History

On June 17, 1962, five men met to discuss "the establishment of a new congregation on the Lord's people to meet in the southwestern area of Abilene," which had long been a dream of the late Shelley Smith.  Erwin Alkire, Smith, the late Dr. Paul Steckler, James Stovall, and Walter Woodrum attended that meeting.  They were later joined by Dwayne Hargesheimer.

The congregation first met in the Abilene Garden Club August 12, 1962, under the name Westside Church of Christ.  Construction of the current building was completed in December, 1964, at which time the name was changed to Westgate Church of Christ.  A classroom wing was added in 1966, and another in 1985.

Former ministers were the late Paul Southern, Tom Holcomb, Paul McGaughey, Mike Whittington, Tommy Shaver, Bob Ethington, Doug Reeves, and the late Jim Mankin.  Rodney Ashlock, current minister, began in June, 2000.

Elders and deacons were first appointed in 1974.  The first elders were the late Lloyd Luckie, the late John Taylor, and James Stovall.  Other elders added later were Jerry Hertenberger, Ed Osner, Bob Martin, Tommy shaver, Rollo Tinkler, Bill VanCleave, Kenneth Hankins, Dwayne Hargesheimer, Roger Swart, and Steve Templeton.  Click here for the current list of elders and deacons.

It is with humble gratitude that we give thanks to God for allowing this congregation to grow and develop in the great family it is today.  Our thanks to the many fine Christian men and women, past and present, who have devoted so much time and effort to the work and success of this congregation of the Lord's people.