What we believe

Our History

First Pentecostal Church of Westlake was birthed from an old-fashioned outdoor revival in 1916, led by Rev. Robert LeFleur, on the corner of Old Spanish Trail and Truesdale Road. It was here that charter members purchased land and built a small wood-frame building, lighted by gasoline lanterns and warmed by a stovepipe wood heater in the center of the room. Many were baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost during that first revival, including the Hoffs, Watleys, Ellenders, McGuires, and Sister Hazel Wing.

From 1916–1927, the growing congregation was served by several pastors and evangelists:

• 1916–1920: Rev. Robert LeFleur
• 1920–1924: Rev. Joseph Frederick
• 1924–1926: Rev. Tommy Morton
• 1926–1927: Elder Stroud

In 1927, the first Sunday School was organized, marking an important milestone for the developing church.

In 1930, a revival on Miller Avenue, led by Rev. J.S. Frederick and Sister Vida Leigh Donahue Clark, brought many new members. A few years later, a wood-frame building was constructed near the Calcasieu River, and by 1939, the first youth group had been formed.

By 1947, under Rev. Melvin C. Dupriest, the church sold its riverfront property to the state for the construction of the I-10 Bridge and moved to Cedar Street, where a new sanctuary and four-room parsonage were built.

Bro. J.T. Pugh served as pastor from 1949–1950. During his time, a tent revival resulted in tremendous growth and spiritual renewal.

Later in 1950, Rev. Daniel T. Guillory and his wife, Louise, began a fifteen-year pastorate. Under their leadership, the church grew steadily, completing multiple building programs, adding an educational facility, and affiliating with the United Pentecostal Church International in 1951. A new sanctuary was constructed on Sampson Street in 1958.

Following Pastor Guillory’s resignation in 1965, his father-in-law, Bro. Lonnie Hosh, served as interim pastor, followed by Bro. Lonnie Marcus. In 1963, Rev. Timothy Creel and his wife, Camay, were elected pastors, leading the church through expansion in the 1970s, including a new colonial-style sanctuary in 1977.

A powerful revival in 1980 led to new outreach ministries and church growth. After Bro. Creel’s retirement in 1985, Bro. Gayln Allen and his wife, Martha, became pastors, launching home fellowship groups, daughter works, and the Word of Truth radio broadcast.

Under Pastor Allen’s leadership, the Family Life Center was completed in 1995, featuring a gymnasium, racquetball court, kitchen, and café. Pastor Allen passed away in 1999, and Pastor Mark Randy Stanton and his wife, Karen, became pastors soon after.

Under their leadership, the church launched Cell Groups, KidZone, Give Me Five, Discipleship programs, and Small Groups. Although a fire in 2000 and Hurricane Rita in 2005 caused major damage, the church remained strong.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Stanton continued ministering through online services, children’s outreach, and parking lot worship. Later that same year, Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Delta destroyed the church campus. The Family Life Center was converted into a temporary sanctuary, and worship continued.

Today, under the continued leadership of Pastor Stanton the First Pentecostal Church of Westlake stands as a living testimony of God’s faithfulness. At the end of 2025, construction of a beautiful new sanctuary was completed, marking a powerful new chapter in over a century of Apostolic ministry and revival in Westlake, Louisiana.