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YOUR FIRST VISIT TO WESTMINSTER

 

ARRIVAL

Location
The Sanctuary of Westminster Presbyterian Church is located at the corner of Weston St. SE and LaGrave Ave. SE. Parking is located at Jefferson Ave. SE and Oakes St. SE with entrances on both of those streets. The building entrance off the parking lot will bring you to our Gathering Place, classrooms and sanctuary.

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Welcome Center

There is a welcome center located in the Gathering Place, near the Parlor. Here you will find additional information about the life and ministries of Westminster.

WORSHIP

Aids for Worship
Large print hymnals, Bibles and personal hearing devices are available from the ushers. The worship bulletin will indicate the order of worship, including when to stand (if able) and when to sit.

Hearing Loop System
Westminster offers a hearing loop system. Set hearing aids to "T."

Children at Westminster
We welcome children! They are an important part of the worshipping community. All children are welcome to stay through the entire worship service and worship aids are available. There are worship notebooks for 3rd-5th graders and worship bags for younger children, located in the narthex on the bookshelf and in the basket.

Other Children's Opportunities:

Nursery: Infants through three year olds are cared for in the nursery rooms, located down the hall to the right of the parlor.
Nurturing Center Children ages three and four may leave the worship service at the time of blessing for stories, songs and free play.
Worship Centers: Children four years through second grade may also leave at the time of blessing to complete their worship experience in an interactive worship setting.

 

HISTORY OF WESTMINSTER

On June 7, 1861, The First Presbyterian Church was founded on the west side of the Grand River. In 1861, the east side Presbyterians established a mission church in a rented wood frame building on the northwest corner of Division and Lyon. By 1865, the congregation had outgrown the original structure and built their own church on the southwest corner of Division and Lyon.

In 1886, the current sanctuary was built in our present location. Built at a cost of $60,000, it seated 700 and was heated by coal stoves and lighted by oil lamps. Originally, the building faced east, but around 1915, the chancel and choir loft were moved to the south side of the sanctuary. A balcony was added as well.

In 1922, the parish building was added and in 1955, the church purchased the Christian Reformed Publishing House next door. It serves as our dining room and kitchen, among other uses.

WHAT IS A PRESBYTERIAN?

Presbyterians believe that each person is called to work out his or her beliefs based on two primary sources of authority: the Scriptures and the historic creeds and confessions of the church. In other words, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a "confessional" church. Two doctrines—the Sovereignty of God and Predestination— are the Presbyterian's unique contribution to Reformed theology.

You can learn more by visiting the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) web site or by contacting the pastoral staff.

BECOMMING A MEMBER

New Member Orientation sessions are held throughout the year. Please contact Susan Jennings at (616) 717-5542 for more information.