Who We Are

Our Team & Leadership

Pastor and First Lady Stanton

Rev. Mark R. Stanton is a dedicated teacher, preacher, and pastor with over 40 years of service in Louisiana and Texas. Called by God at the age of 16, Bro. Stanton began his ministry in 1975.

From 1979 to June 1982, Bro. Stanton and his wife, Karen, traveled extensively as evangelists, sharing the Gospel and ministering to congregations across the nation. In June 1982, they accepted the call to pastor in Brownsville, Texas, where they faithfully served for 17 ½ years. During this time, Bro. Stanton also served as presbyter in the Texas District for nine years.

In December 1999, Bro. and Sis. Stanton embraced a new calling, becoming pastors in Westlake, Louisiana. Bro. Stanton currently serves as a presbyter in the Louisiana District.

The Stantons are blessed with two children, Mark and Melanie, along with their spouses, Loren and Sam. They are proud grandparents to four grandchildren: Avery, Hudson, Rand, and Myles.

Throughout their ministry, Bro. and Sis. Stanton have remained unwavering in their faith and dedication to God. They are deeply committed to reaching the lost, serving their community, and supporting their church family in a constantly changing world.

Pastor Randy (Karen) Stanton

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.