Our History
Westbourne Baptist Church, where people matter, has mattered to a lot of people over the past century. Two little girls were taught by a pastor’s wife in East Calgary in 1903, and thus began a small mission point begun by First Baptist Church. In 1905, First Baptist transferred 23 members to the mission point at 13th Ave. and 2nd St. SE. John Clifford came from London, England, to hold special meetings, and when he went back to his home church, Westbourne Baptist, in London, that church sent a substantial donation to fund the struggling mission work, by making possible the construction of a church building. The congregation took the name of its benefactor, and began to be called Westbourne Baptist Church. Shortly thereafter the building was moved to 13th Ave. and 4th St. SE, where it remained, providing a place for several pastors to bring what matters to the people of Calgary.
William Aberhart became the pastor in the 1920s, carrying on an effective ministry of preaching and radio teaching. In 1921 Westbourne became independent of First Baptist, citing doctrinal differences with the Old Convention. The Prophetic Bible Institute was built, opening in 1927. The congregation moved to that location, but a few years later, because of doctrinal differences, many of the members, under the leadership of Harry Scrimgeour, moved back to the old building and continued the ministry there. Mr. Aberhart continued his teaching in the Bible institute and on radio, and entered politics, becoming Premier of Alberta. Within several months, Westbourne had a thriving Sunday school, and growth was once more evident, because Westbourne did what mattered.
Dr. Morley Hall came as pastor in 1930 and continued until 1944. During his tenure a Bible college began in the basement of Old Westbourne, with George Dawe as Principal, to train young people for the ministry. This stopped during the conscription era, and began again in British Columbia after the War. John Cunningham served during the next six years, eventually taking many of the congregation with him in forming Cambrian Heights Southern Baptist Church. The depleted church struggled with its very existence, but Fred Meyers came as pastor, and an aggressive visitation program was initiated. This, however, told the congregation that the area was being settled by new Canadians, and that language barriers were hindering the church’s growth. A move to Thorncliffe-Huntington Hills provided new impetus, Old Westbourne was sold, and a new area of development began for what matters.
Bill Adkins was a visionary, and soon property was acquired, an Atco double prefabricated classroom unit provided space for kindergarten and nursery school classes, as well as a growing Sunday school and church services. A seniors complex was completed in 1974, with the church building, completed in 1975, adjoining by way of a plus-15 walkway, which is really a large multi-purpose room. Westbourne now boasts the only church balcony with an average age of over 70, because seniors matter! Over 100 children regularly attend preschool classes in the basement of the church, because children also matter.
Dennis Burriss, John Thompson, Cam Loewen, Wes Stanley and Jason Heer have served since that time as pastors. People have received rich spiritual nourishment from God’s Word through these men of God. Presently, Lead Pastor Jason is assisted by Pastor of Family Ministries Dave Winter, providing what matters spiritually to all ages in the community, because, after all, people matter.
