About Us

In its infancy, the Westside Church of Christ, known then as Morning Star Church of Christ, was located on the Hynson Springs Road in Marshall, Texas.  Later the congregation relocated to its present location and became known as the Westside Church of Christ.

Approximately in the year 1928, a gospel preacher named G. P. Bowser came to Marshall at the request of the members of Westside.  The body had previously met at the home of Brother Andy Cate.  A minister known only as Brother Merchant, conducted worship service for the congregation.  Under his tutelage the congregation grew in number and spirit.

The congregation soon began the tedious search for a church building site to permanently worship.  They met with Brother Beasley who donated a plot of land.  The lot was located on the Hynson Springs Road.  On this lot the brethren erected a bush arbor structure to worship.  Brother Bowser was called to conduct the first gospel meeting for Westside under that arbor.  Nightly services were conducted with the only source of light being kerosene lamps brought from various homes.  Later Brother Bowser returned to conduct a very successful tent meeting for the congregation.

With spiritual foresight, Brother Ed Beasley saw the need to have a building and therefore deeded the lot that was being used to the congregation.   A carpenter by the name of Wonderful Jackson built the first stationery building for the congregation.  Pledges for the new structure were small but freely given.  These donations came by the way of Brother L. R. Rand, who was also the first paid minister to the congregation.  Brother Jerome Ferrell, a self-made cabinetmaker, built the first pulpit stand for the minister.

Many of the founders were miles from family cemeteries, so the brethren launched the search for a local cemetery.  Two acres of property were purchased just west of the newly constructed building as a future burial site for the saints gone on.  The city refused to grant permission to have a cemetery so close to the city limits.  The brethren decided to move the building to this new location.  The small structure was sold and another edifice was constructed.  Support of local congregation and individuals made possible the new structure that was named the Westside Church of Christ.

In the fall of 1990 the brethren embarked upon another venture of constructing a new building to provide a more suitable place of worship for the saints. The brethren decided to move the building to this new location.  The small structure was sold and another edifice was constructed.  Support of local organizations and individuals made possible the new structure that was named the Westside Church of Christ.

In the fall of 1990 the brethren embarked upon another venture of constructing a new building to provide a more suitable place of worship for the saints.  In June of the year of our Lord 2001 that venture came to fruition.  Today under the guidance of a spiritually organized leadership, the Westside Church of Christ serves the saints of God and stands ready to serve the community.  This present structure demonstrates the dedication of the members to serve God in spirit and in truth.

Ministers who have served us:

Brother Merchant

Brother R. B. Thurman

Brother Luther Rand

Brother J. T. Jackson

Brother Charlie Rand

Brother Lucas

Brother Ha San Reed

Brother Green

Brother Willie Frank Washington

Brother Claude I. Andrews

Brother Terry Norris

Brother Brandon Starling

Brother Tavaris Armstrong