Who We Are
Our Team & Leadership
Pastor and First Lady Stanton
Rev. Mark R. Stanton is a seasoned teacher, preacher, and pastor having served in the Louisiana and Texas areas for over 40 years. Bro. Stanton was called of God when he was 16 years old, and began his ministry in 1975. Bro. Stanton and his wife, Karen, evangelized from 1979 until June of 1982, when they accepted the pastorate position in Brownsville, Texas. The Stanton’s remained in Brownsville for 17 ½ years where Bro. Stanton served as a presbyter in the Texas District, for 9 years.
In December of 1999, Bro. & Sis. Stanton accepted the pastorate position in Westlake, LA. Bro. Stanton serves as a presbyter in the Louisiana District. They have two children, Mark and Melanie; their spouses, Loren and Sam; and four grandchildren, Avery, Hudson, Rand and Myles.
The Stanton’s have been steadfast in their commitment to God in an ever changing world. They continue to reach for the lost, in addition to serving their community, and church family.
Pastor Randy (Karen) Stanton
Our Beliefs & Values
What we believe
First Pentecostal Church of Westlake is a United Pentecostal Church founded on the first church birthed in the Book of Acts. We believe that the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God.
We believe there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). He is the creator of heaven and earth. He has revealed Himself as the Father (Creator), as the Son (Savior), and as the Holy Ghost (indwelling Spirit).
We believe in water baptism by immersion in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin. Through baptism we identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking in other tongues. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4
We believe in the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Ghost. God ministers to His people through tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy; words of knowledge and wisdom, discerning of spirits, faith, working of miracles, and healings. Mark 16:15-18, Acts 5:16:2, 2 Corinthians 12:1-11
Unity
Until we come together in the UNITY of the FAITH
Liberty
He that the son has set free is free in DEED,
Love
Perfect Love cast out all fear
Our History
First Pentecostal Church of Westlake was birthed from an old-fashioned outdoor revival in 1916, led by Rev. Robert LaFleur, on the corner of Old Spanish Trail and Trousdale Road. It was here that charter members purchased one acre of land, and built a small wood-frame building lighted with gasoline lanterns, and heated with a stovepipe wood heater in the center of the room.
Sunday School was first organized in 1927. Throughout 1916-1927, the serving pastors were Rev. Joseph Frederick, Rev. Tommy Martin, and Rev. Stroud.
Several members were added to the church in 1930, after a revival held on Miller Avenue. Rev. A. Fuselier almost single-handedly constructed a wood-frame building on a lot near Calcasieu River in 1934. Shortly thereafter in 1939, the first youth program was organized.
Thenceforth in 1947, Rev. Melvin Dupriest sold the property near the river to the state for the construction of the I-10 Bridge right-of-way. In turn, the Pentecostals purchased a lot on Cedar Street, and constructed a small sanctuary and four-room wood-frame parsonage.
Bro. J.T. Pugh served as pastor from 1949-1950. During this time, he held a tent revival that resulted in additions to the membership.
Rev. Daniel Guillory began a fifteen-year term as pastor in late 1950. During his tenure of service, several building programs were completed, and the church more than doubled in membership.