Our story begins in 1987. Bob Queen, born and raised in the Westwood area, had been pastoring for several years, and it was his desire to start a church in his "old stomping grounds." In September of that year, Brother Bob resigned as pastor of the South Point First Church of God in South Point, Ohio. Upon the heels of this development, thirteen individuals joined together with the same burden for Westwood, and work began.
One member of this small group, Fred Layne, offered a small warehouse to be used as a church. Thus, the group came together to convert the warehouse into a sanctuary. Moving out the materials, erecting walls, clearing brush, and bringing in some donated church furnishings, Westwood Church of God began to take shape. While Brother Bob and his wife, Ruby, were out of town, the group sent him a letter, requesting he come to serve as the pastor of the newly formed church. The letter also included the advice to "bring a lawn chair." However, when Brother Bob and Sister Ruby arrived at 1516 W. Old Buckley Road that first week of October, 1987, with lawn chairs in hand, they were moved to tears to see a furnished church, ready to begin its work in Westwood.
The church flourished over the next several years, seeing growth not only in number but in spirit. In the early 1990s, during a period that saw many new converts and a remarkable spirit of service and unity, the church voted to become an independent congregation, and growth continued. Adjacent property was purchased, additions were made to the building, but adequate space was still in short supply. A move was necessary. The Board of Trustees began actively searching for a new location to build a church, when through divine intervention, an existing church came available only around a mile away.
For a core group of 33, it seemed a daunting task to pay $180,000.00 for a new church and property, but it was decided that the church must step out on faith, believing that God intended that this be the new home of the Westwood Church of God. During the first service in this new building at 349 McKnight Street, Brother Bob made the following statement: "I believe, with the Lord's help and our faithfulness, that we can pay off this loan and be debt-free in five years."
Needless to say, some people were nervous at such a statement, some were horrified, but all joined together in this goal . . . and God provided. In three years and ten months from moving into the new facilities, Westwood Church of God was completely out of debt. It was not the efforts of the people, but their faithfulness in and to our great God.
Soon, though, the need for more space became apparent once again. The property adjacent to the church was purchased, which included a building that would be converted into a fellowship hall, and this purchase significantly added to the property of the church, giving room for future expansion. Again, the church stepped out in faith, and in 1998 borrowed $60,000.00 for the purchase, in addition to paying for renovations. And again, the Lord showed His faithfulness to faithful believers, helping to pay off that amount in four years, seven months.
Changing Times
By February of 2001, Brother Bob was feeling the pressure of age and health, and so the church called Chris Keeton, Bob's grandson, to step in as Co-Pastor, alternating services for preaching with Brother Bob, and sharing the pastoral duties. Then, in September of 2001, Brother Bob announced his retirement. His last service as the Senior Pastor would be one week shy of his 14th anniversary as Pastor of Westwood Church of God. His years of service and dedication to the church and to the community made a lasting impact, most notably in the annual Community Thanksgiving Service, which brings together the various churches in Westwood in fellowship and unity, in the true spirit of the Church of God Reformation Movement.
The congregation met soon after the announcement of Brother Bob's retirement, and selected Chris Keeton to be his replacement. Brother Chris had been one of the thirteen original members of the church, who, at the tender age of ten, came out and worked to get the first location up and running. Now, he was honored to be following not only his grandfather in the ministry, but following the call of the Lord, carrying on the burden for the community of Westwood. During Brother Chris's tenure, the church has seen the continued spirit of growth and unity, has seen the retirement of the $60,000.00 debt, has carried out improvements to the sanctuary and church property, and looks forward to many more years of growth and success.
In March of 2008, the congregation voted to install Brother Dave Layne as Associate Pastor. It was Dave's brother, Fred, who offered his warehouse to be the first location for Westwood Church of God. Brother Dave brings a sense of determination and doing the Lord's will, and we know that with his assistance in the pastoral leadership of the congregation, great things lay ahead.
Looking Ahead
Arial Photo courtesy Google Earth
Like every church, Westwood Church of God has had its share of ups and downs. But despite adversity, through the welcoming of new faces and bidding farewell to old friends, the congregation remains hopeful for the future. We realize that without the Lord being first, there is no hope of success, no way to find the peace and joy mankind so desperately needs. Any accomplishments we have seen in the past come directly from God, and any future accomplishments must come from Him.
What distinguishes Westwood Church of God from the rest is the sense of belonging, the knowledge that it's not about the numbers; it's about loving God and loving one another. When you walk in the doors, you know that the people genuinely care, that God is there, and that you are loved. We extend our hand in fellowship to every blood-washed believer, and open our arms to everyone who needs to know the Lord is there for them.
At Westwood Church of God, you are only a visitor one time. After that, you're one of us! It's more than a motto; it's an attitude. Come and let us show you what faith, friends and family are all about. It's the foundation of Westwood Church of God, and we'd like you to be a part of that family!
WESTWOOD CHURCH OF GOD -- THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT!!!
In Memoriam
Below is a list of the 60 people who graced us with their presence and their spirit, and who have gone on to be with the Lord. We thank them for their dedication to Westwood Church of God, and look forward to seeing them again when we make it home.
By February of 2001, Brother Bob was feeling the pressure of age and health, and so the church called Chris Keeton, Bob's grandson, to step in as Co-Pastor, alternating services for preaching with Brother Bob, and sharing the pastoral duties. Then, in September of 2001, Brother Bob announced his retirement. His last service as the Senior Pastor would be one week shy of his 14th anniversary as Pastor of Westwood Church of God. His years of service and dedication to the church and to the community made a lasting impact, most notably in the annual Community Thanksgiving Service, which brings together the various churches in Westwood in fellowship and unity, in the true spirit of the Church of God Reformation Movement.