Westminster Presbyterian Church was formally established on May 4, 1889. The first pastor, Rev. E. Horace Porter, graduated seminary and boarded the train for Decatur that same night eager to begin his new call issued by the Missionary Board. Upon his arrival, he was surprised to find that there was no church building or organized church. Rev. Porter assembled six families, of Welsh and Scottish Canadian descent, who became “Westminster Church”. A $5,000 loan was obtained to build the first building.
In the early years of Westminster, the focus was on Scripture reading, learning the Shorter Catechism, Sabbath observance and missions. The first hundred years of Westminster were marked by many difficulties including a yellow fever epidemic, world wars, the Great Depression and fires that devasted the sanctuary. Through it all, Westminster Church healed and persevered. The church now continues a rich legacy of worship, community and mission.
