Come experience the Joy at the House of Miracles
Anthony R. Shelton, Pastor
CHURCH HISTORY
The History of West Tabernacle Church
Serving the Lord for Nearly a Century
From Gooseneck Baptist Church to West End Baptist Church, and from West End Baptist Church to West Tabernacle Baptist Church, we are grateful and thankful to God as we celebrate His faithfulness in sustaining the church for 97 years.
“It is The Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.”
— Psalm 118:23.
Established in 1921
The West Tabernacle Church was established in 1921 by Pastor M. Hill and Brother T. Scott. It started with 8 members who met regularly on Sundays in a barn in the Gooseneck Community. The church grew to 12 members. Working together, they built a wood frame building to hold services.
Reverend J. P. Churchwell and Reverend R. S. Cole became pastors of the Gooseneck Baptist Church, each serving at separate times. The name of the church has gone through several changes: the first was from Gooseneck to West End to West Tabernacle.
The former church located at 428 Old Magnolia Road was built in 1949 is still standing today after undergoing many renovations.
Our Pastors
- 1941 to 1949 - Pastor S. H. Mitchell
- 1949 to 1950 - Pastor E.M. Random
- 1951 to 1966 - Pastor W. W. Placide
- 1966 to 1973 - Pastor Alvin Armstrong
- 1973 to 1978 - Pastor Byrd Lacy Jr.
- 1978 to 1985 - Pastor J. Willard Toliver
- 1985 to 1987 - Pastor Clarence Keelan
- 1987 to 1989 - Pastor Charles Kelley
Each pastor contributed to the maintenance, growth, and the success of the church, from purchasing land to constructing the first church building to adding indoor restroom facilities to building an indoor baptismal and other improvements.
In 1966, The Golden Gate Cemetery was donated to the church by Mr. Lester Shepard. Today, the cemetery serves as a resting place for many citizens of the surrounding counties.
Throughout each generation, the people of God trusted The Lord, and He demonstrated His faithfulness.
Our Church Today
In 1989, Pastor Anthony Roy Shelton became the pastor of our church. The church has continued to grow under his leadership and spiritual direction. Jeremiah 3:15 says, "Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding." (NIV) Our pastor has worked hard, not only in the church but also in the community promoting the gospel in word and deed. His passion is that we not only be hearers of the Word but that we put the Word of God into action in our lives. Pastor Shelton is a caring pastor who has led well.
Under his leadership, the church obtained its 501(c)(3) designation as a nonprofit organization recognized by the State of Texas and the IRS. In 2001, the FAAITH Community Learning Center was birthed to assist children, young adults, and others within the community to improve educationally and economically through various types of training.
Project Hope was birthed through FAAITH. It was established as a partnership with the law enforcement community and the judicial system to assist those with minor criminal or civil infractions to become productive citizens of the community.
In 2003, Pastor Shelton and the West Tabernacle Church family embarked upon yet a new vision for expansion. In 2006, we erected a 17,000+ square-foot facility that seats 900. The facility includes a nursery, classrooms, kitchen, fellowship hall, administrative offices, a bookstore, pastor's suite, etc.
Our Ongoing Mission
Pastor Shelton's passion is that we become the church that The Lord is pleased with. We have a very effective Food and Clothing Pantry Ministry. In addition, our pastor proudly boasts of the King's Kitchen, which is opened to the public Tuesday through Friday and is operated by a very dedicated group of godly men and women. The Kitchen also delivers “The King's Meals on Wheels” that are prepared weekly by the King’s Kitchen and delivered hot to seniors and others in need in our community.
West Tabernacle Church is a family-oriented church that offers discipleship classes, and effective children and teen ministries, in addition to thriving men's and women's fellowships. In 2015, West Tabernacle Church expanded and opened a second location in New Waverly, Texas. Throughout the 97 years, generation after generation, The Lord has bestowed His Favor upon our church, and for this, we are grateful!