Church History

The West Beulah Missionary Baptist Church had it’s beginning in what is commonly called today a sharpshooter house. It was here that a few devout souls met for prayer service. As the prayer band grew, they were inspired to organize themselves into a church in the year of 1912 by Reverend Sidney Farrington and 22 members. The church called Reverend Farrington as its first pastor and immediately the church begin to grow both spiritually and numerically. A lot was purchased for a future site from the Knights of Phythians, and church building was erected for worship. Shortly thereafter, this building was destroyed by a storm and immediately another structure was erected without interruption of services.

After the resignation of Rev. Farrington, the church met and called Reverend Markmon M. Harris to fill the vacancy. The church continued its growth and development under His leadership. The edifice was again destroyed, this time by fire. It was rebuilt in July of 1922, during Reverend Harris’ administration. He served faithfully as pastor until his death on November 6, 1944.

Following the death of Reverend Harris, the church was without a leader until January 22, 1945, when they called Reverend C.H. Durden after regular business meeting. Under Reverend Durden, the church again experienced immediate progress spiritually, financially, and numerically. The building was in need of repairs, which the pastor and members prayerfully took in consideration. A financial program was launched, which was successful, and the much needed repairs began. During this period in history, the United States was involved in major conflict, making it impossible to secure the proper materials needed for the repairs. Several thousands of dollars were spent on those much needed repairs and great progress was made in beautifying the edifice. West Beulah enjoyed an increase of membership and they were re-instated in all of the local, state and national missionary works. Reverend Durden served two years and seven months as pastor. On August 4, 1947, Reverend Durden he offered his resignation in order to accept the position of pastor of the Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.

Reverend D. N. Benford served as supply pastor following the resignation of Reverend Durden. After the expiration of Reverend Benford’s services, the church tried to carry on without the benefit of a pastor. Finding it impossible to do so, the church met for the purpose of finding a leader. In the fall of 1947, Reverend J.D. Reed was called to pastor our church. He served for the term of nearly two years and tendered his resignation.

After nearly six months without a leader, Reverend O.J. Jenkins was elected as pastor, following a regular business meeting. Because of the untimely death of Reverend Jenkins, the church was again without a leader. On October 17, 1950, the church called Reverend T.F. Simmons. Immediately the church began to grow. Under his leadership, we paid off the remainder of a large note, remodeled and repaired the building, purchased fixtures and equipment. Reverend Simmons served faithfully until he offered his resignation on December 31, 1961. He did, however, recommend Reverend R. E. Campbell Sr. as his successor.
On January 9, 1962, during a regular business meeting, the church called as its new pastor, Reverend R. E. Campbell Sr. After paying off the church’s debts, in August 1965, we purchased an acre of land for a future church site. In October 1967, the church launched a building program for the purpose of rebuilding and relocating a new sanctuary with educational and parking facilities at its present location on Bigner Road.

On the first Sunday in October 1968, a dream became a reality, we moved into our new edifice. After worshiping here for thirty-two years. Reverend Campbell and the members of the church felt the need for an educational facility and renovations to the sanctuary. The construction began in September of 1999 after the selling of bonds to raise the capital for the additions. This work began in September 1998.

The new educational facility, which is 7,751 sq. ft. consists of classrooms, a library, kitchen, fellowship hall, conference room,
Offices, and restrooms that are equipped to meet the needs of the handicapped. The sanctuary has expanded choir chapel areas.

On July 27, 2014 the Library was named Reverend R. E. Campbell library.

On July 19, 2015, West Beulah Missionary Baptist Church dedicated its Historical Marker by the state of Texas.
On October 11, 2015 the church was blessed to lay the cornerstone on the new addition to the church that was completed in the year of 2001. The Prince Hall Grand Lodge conducted the ceremony.

After 54 years of service, on January 12, 2016 the Lord received unto himself pastor Reverend Robert E. Campbell. At a regular business meeting held on September 21, 2016, the church voted unanimously to accept Reverend David Eric Pritchett III as the pastor of our church.

West Beulah has been a source of inspiration to many who entered into the ministry through these portals. Some of the “Sons” of the church are: the late Reverend T. F. Simmons (former pastor), the late Reverend M.L. Durden, the late Reverend Wallis Davis, the late, Reverend O.L. Hockless, the late Reverend J. Reed (former pastor of the Holland Baptist Church of Beaumont, the late Reverend George Nobles (former pastor of the First Baptist Church, Nome Texas). Reverend Ollis Whitaker, Pastor of the Mount Gilead Baptist Church, Beaumont, Reverend Isadore Hunt (retired pastor of Camp Zion Baptist Church, Doucette Texas), the late Reverend Lloyd Booker, pastor of True Vine Baptist Church, Doucette Texas), Reverend Harold Gauthier, Reverend Ernest Antoine Sr. and the late Reverend R. E. Campbell, (former Moderator of the Trinity Valley District Association).

In spite of the hardships and challenges that West Beulah has faced since its birth in 1912, it has continued to grow and thrive as an instrument used by God. It has been a source of blessings for many in the church and the community of Beaumont.
We do not share with other children of our generation a kind of historical amnesia or even a rejection of the past. The promise of the Golden age is not of the immediate future. But we are a pilgrim church, not making its way to Utopia but living in that world where God carves a kingdom out of rotten wood and rides the lame horse, creating upheavals and innovation, and newly marked by the signs of hope.