West Hill Baptist Church celebrates 75 years

by Sarah McClain

West Hill Baptist Church celebrated a milestone anniversary this past November. The congregation, as well as local members of the community, joined for a dinner celebrating the 75th anniversary of the church, which was founded in 1949. 

Roughly 130 guests came together to enjoy a warm meal and fellowship. The anniversary dinner was held at the church, at 605 North Revere Rd., where members of the congregation prepared the meal. In addition to the dinner, there were a series of guest speakers throughout the month of November to share in the occasion. 

The guest speakers were all former pastors or staff members who played a significant role in the church’s journey. They included Paul Sorber, John Saucier, Keith Marlett, Brian Eisner and Gary Moosey, who shared reflections on their time with the congregation and messages of encouragement for its future.

The church’s first regular service was held on Nov. 13, 1949, at Schumacher School in Akron, as they did not yet have a location of their own. The WHBC’s first pastor, Rev. Roy Evans, began his ministry on July 16, 1950. The congregation had a few locations over the years, but on Oct. 10, 1971, the church had its first service at its current location on the corner of North Revere and Smith roads. The church dedication followed shortly after on Oct. 24. 

Today, the church is led by Rev. Aaron Varner, who began his tenure as the youth pastor in 1999 before stepping into the role of head pastor in January 2005. Reflecting on what has made West Hill Baptist Church successful for the past 75 years, Varner said, “We use the Bible as a foundation and invite the community into the celebration.”

This spirit of community involvement is evident in the church’s outreach efforts, which include annual events like “Trunk ‘N Treat” in October and a free family carnival in May. These gatherings not only serve as opportunities for fellowship, but also reinforce the church’s mission of being called to serve and share the gospel.

Varner said, “Looking to the future, we want to continue to see how we can serve the community and put into action our mission statement.”

The church’s current leadership team also includes Associate Pastor David Neidlinger and Care Pastor Ed Holland, who assist in guiding the congregation and supporting the church’s ongoing commitment to spiritual growth and community engagement.

The celebratory dinner and guest speakers not only honored the church’s history but also served as a reminder of the enduring relationships and shared values that have sustained the congregation over the years. Varner shared a message of faith and community with attendees and underscored the importance of West Hill Baptist Church as a spiritual home for generations of believers. For more information, visit westhillbaptist.com or attend a Sunday service at 10:15 a.m. 

photo caption: Brian Eisner, former pastor, speaks at the church’s Nov. 17 anniversary celebration. Photo submitted.