Who We Are

Mission

To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Vision

The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.

OUR HISTORY

Westlake Methodist Church traces its roots to an organized Methodist Society that worshiped faithfully in Westlake from 1873 to 1918. In the early 1890s, a church was built on the corner of Miller Avenue and Pilley Street, serving as a spiritual home for the growing community. That building was completely destroyed in the devastating 1918 hurricane, leaving the Methodist presence in Westlake without a church home for more than two decades. Yet even in the absence of a building, the spirit of faith and commitment endured.  

In October 1939, a small but determined group of residents reorganized the Methodist congregation and purchased the first portion of our present property with proceeds from the sale of the Miller Avenue site. In 1940, a one-room wooden church was built, marking a new beginning. Over the years, God continued to nurture and grow this congregation. In November 1949, ground was broken for a brick sanctuary. A six-room education building was added in 1955, along with the purchase of the first parsonage on Goos Street. By 1958, a brick education annex and fellowship hall expanded the church’s ministry space. The present parsonage was purchased in 1967, and in 1985 the Pomeroy Center, additional classrooms, and office renovations were completed. Sanctuary renovations followed in 1986, reflecting a continued commitment to faithful stewardship and vibrant worship.

TODAY

TODAY

As part of The United Methodist Church, we remain grounded in our mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world**. We embrace the denomination’s welcoming spirit of Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors. Our guiding vision affirms that we are called to form disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in our local community and throughout our worldwide connections.  

We are proud to be part of the Louisiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, whose vision is to build, connect, and equip disciples of Jesus Christ for a transformative future. In Westlake, that vision continues to take shape through worship, education, mission, and fellowship. From hurricane loss to hopeful rebuilding, from a one-room wooden structure to a thriving ministry campus, our story is one of resilience, faith, and God’s sustaining grace — and we look forward with expectation to the chapters yet to be written.