Church Information and History
Westminster Presbyterian Church, located on North 25th Avenue, one block north of Hardy Street in a stately pine grove, is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), a 2.5 million-member denomination headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Westminster was formed in 1954 when some people from First Presbyterian Church decided to start a new church out on the west end of town.

Pastor
Steve Ramp has been the pastor of this congregation for 4 years. Dr. Ramp graduated from Vanderbilt Law School and practiced commercial law in Nashville for 13 years before he felt called to a path of “downward mobility.” He holds two degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary, including a Ph.D. Dr. Ramp has been a seminary professor but loves serving in the parish, which he says is “where the action is.”

Mission and Members
Westminster’s mission is easy to remember: TLC: Trust God, Love All People, Carry Christ into the World. Butch Nobles, a member and Sunday School teacher says, “I think our mission statement exemplifies our congregation, not only from within our walls, but throughout our community. We do not do what we do for recognition. The more others know about us, the more we can make a difference.”

Westminster has 180 members, most of whom are very active. According to Reverend Ramp, “We’re more like a 400 member church.” Many church members serve on boards such as United Way, YMCA, Rotary, and the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club.

Westminster is known for its leadership in building ecumenical relationships with other churches. The Breadbasket ministry is an example. Begun at Westminster 26 years ago, this ministry, which provides a three-day emergency food supply for families in need, is supported by eleven local congregations. Another ministry of Westminster is an after school tutoring program. Tuition is kept low to encourage people to seek extra help.

At Westminster we say, “If you’re looking for a church home, this is a good one.” The members appreciate close bonds. Larry Royals, a member and church officer says, “What I value most about Westminster is the ‘sense of belonging’ that I feel. We are all one big family and I know my church family will be there for me whatever may come my way, as I will be there for anyone at Westminster. We all rally around each other in good times and bad. I look forward to each and every Sunday because I know that I will not only hear the word of God, but feel the love of God.” Judy Harrell, one of Westminster’s active older members puts it this way, “Westminster is a place where I feel wanted, needed, and loved, even though I’m older and limited in what I can physically do. I love the church building, our minister, our elders, deacons, and all of the members. I have outlived most of my family members, so this church is my family. This keeps me feeling close to God, and I thank Him aloud daily for leading me to move to Hattiesburg nearly 9 years ago and thus, to WPC. I’ve recently sold my home and moved to an apartment and this was done with a great deal of help from my church family.”

Reformed Christian Tradition
Westminster stands in the tradition of John Calvin, who is often credited with the “Protestant work ethic.” However, says Rev. Ramp, the important thing is not, “Are you a good Presbyterian?” The important thing is: Do you love Jesus and the people and causes that Jesus loves? How important to you is carrying out Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation and caring for the most vulnerable? What are you doing with the gifts and talents God gave you? These are the kinds of questions our congregation wrestles with. As Presbyterians, we believe we are saved by grace alone. That’s not a problem. The issue is: what are we willing to do about it?

Westminster’s choir director is Dr. Connie Roberts, who teaches voice at William Carey University. Organist is Dr. Randall Harris, also a faculty member at William Carey University. Music for worship is thoughtful, reverent; some might say sophisticated. It reflects our values of offering our best to God during worship.

Mission and Outreach
Since Katrina, Westminster has offered free housing to over 70 volunteer groups from Maine to Minnesota, who have come here to help with rebuilding homes and hope. It is an ongoing ministry, and we welcome people who want to pitch in and help our community recover. Westminster has housed Jewish groups, student groups, civic groups, and of course, many church-related groups. We believe if you are willing to help us, you are on God’s team. Althea Jerome, who has worked with many of the visitors says, “The response from the volunteers who have worked here in storm recovery is quite remarkable. They come here expecting to do a little work and they are exposed to the very best of southern hospitality—friendly people, comfortable accommodations, and hot meals prepared by our members. They take great stories about this church and this community back to their homes.”

Planning for the Future
The Church is in the process of building a parking lot and trying to discern what they are supposed to do with the land they acquired behind the church. Sooner or later, God will show us a need, and we will step up and do what is necessary to use our property and other assets to honor God’s will in this way.