Our Story
For over 60 years, Westminster has been a community of people on a mission to help people live in relationship with God, grow into the people God made us to be as followers of Jesus, and take our part in the Holy Spirit’s mission to the world.
In 1958, Rev. Kirkland West of First Presbyterian Church had the vision to plant a new church in East Medford. He encouraged Associate Pastor John Reynolds to become the organizing pastor, with a number of families from the mother church. They purchased a farm, and started worship at Hoover Elementary School while a building was constructed. From those families (a few of whom still worship at Westminster!) the church has grown to a thriving congregation with four worship services, a full range of programs to help people follow Jesus, and active mission outreach both locally and around the globe.
In these decades, Westminster has had only five lead pastors: John Reynolds (1958-1970), George Aberle (1971-1979), Alan Jackson (who served for 30 years, 1979-2009), Barnabas Sprinkle (2011-2019) and Chris Ward (2021 – present). Westminster has also been part of two denominational mergers and one transfer, most recently to The Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECO) in 2013. The most important moments, however, are not these historic events but faith decisions, baptisms, mission trips, and daily growth in people’s lives. Truly, these steps of faith make up the history of eternity.
Today, Westminster is an intergenerational church that strives to help people and families find wholeness in Jesus Christ. We have a wide variety of ministries for individuals, couples, and families. More important, we strive to be a community of people who love one another, reflecting the love of God who has led us each step of the way.
