www.FranzosenbuschHeritageProject.org                     Home

The Church in 2003, Photos by Jim Arbuthnot

Westchester Bible Church had its beginnings on the southwest side of Chicago at the Lawndale Bible Church.  Seeking a place to begin a new work in the western suburbs, Pastor Gray and his family came to Westchester in the spring of 1956.  On April 15, 1956, thirteen people gathered for the first service in the parsonage basement on Canterbury Street.  For two years the Church held Sunday morning services at the High Ridge School.

On August 3, 1958, the original church building on the corner of Sunnyside and Cermak was dedicated.  Attendance grew, and by June of 1969 an educational wing including offices and infant and toddler rooms was added.

In January of 1972, the West Suburban Bible Church joined the Westchester congregation, increasing the size considerably.  As a result, it was necessary to hold two morning services.

Dr. Gray breaking ground for the new church.

After much prayer, planning, and giving, a new auditorium was constructed.  The necessitated the moving of the parsonage to the corner of Dorchester and Sunnyside.  For a year, services were held in the Fellowship Hall beneath the auditorium.  On February, 1, 1976, the first service in the new auditorium was held.

The church in 1976.

Since 1976, six young men have served in the position of Assistant to the Pastor.  Over 40 full-time Christian workers have come out of the congregation.

Westchester Bible Church has faithfully taught the Word of God for over 40 years.

Also see Robert Gray.

Service Times: 

Numerous sources were used in the compilation of these entries including but not limited to:

• "Westchester Bible Church Fortieth Anniversary 1956-1996", a church publication.
• Photos courtesy of the Westchester Bible Church.

Last Modified:  08/09/2003