Our Story
How God Has Led Us
Everyone has a story. There are joys and sorrows, triumphs and trials, successes and adversities. This church’s story is no different. Entering our doors, you will see names written below the stained glass windows that beautify our sanctuary. These names represent the people who contributed to this story. As people, we are broken but loved, all on the journey toward home.
A Beginning in Westview
Westview Presbyterian Church was founded in 1950 by the Clear Water Lake Sunday School class from First Presbyterian Church of Kings Mountain. Thirty people had a desire to make a difference in a newly developed area west of Mount Holly called the Westview/Clear Water Lake development—thus, the name Westview Presbyterian Church.
The church met in a small house purchased on the current property.
Early Leadership and Growth
The church’s first pastor, Rev. W.D. Ratchford (1951–1958), provided direction, growth, and leadership for the construction of the church building in September 1953.
After Rev. Ratchford, four other pastors served the church from 1958–1976. In 1977, the church built a fellowship hall for Sunday School classes, initiated community outreach, and inaugurated the first missions conference under the leadership of Rev. James Kight (1976–1978).
A Season of Flourishing
From 1979 to 1992, Rev. Fred Christopher Douglass (C.D.) Murphy was the longest-serving pastor, during which the church grew to about 125 members. The church had active children, youth, and adult ministries, including regular services, revivals, sports, and summer camp.
In 1988, the church expanded the sanctuary to accommodate the overflow of people and provide a choir loft for a new music ministry. Rev. Patrick Womack (1992–1996), an intern, was called to succeed C.D. Murphy upon his retirement. In 1996, Westview bought several properties alongside the church for future expansion.
Challenges and Faithfulness
Over the next few years, the church faced several difficulties as it wrestled with direction, vision, doctrinal issues, and a change in denominations. Sadly, Westview dwindled to seventy people because of these events.
The congregation gained stability by calling Rev. Dr. Jeff Bost (2000–2010) as a bi-vocational pastor. Dr. Bost served faithfully by shepherding the congregation, preaching, and helping to heal past wounds.
After Dr. Bost transitioned to a full-time pastorate, the church struggled to find regular pulpit supply, which resulted in membership dropping to forty-seven members in 2012. Westview called Rev. Bill Abrams (2016–2024), a retired pastor, to provide regular pulpit supply and visitation for the members.
By 2024, Westview membership had dwindled to twelve people and five families.
A New Chapter
In September 2024, Dr. Steve Benson began as a supply preacher. By June 2025, the church voted to become an independent church. Westview called Steve and his wife, Krista, as their part-time lead teacher.
Under his leadership, the church updated its campus, adopted a new mission statement and core values, and took on a new name: Westview Point Church.
In 2026, the church upgraded its worship service with modern audio and visual technology and launched a website to reach the community. During his tenure, attendance increased to twenty-one on several Sundays. Steve faithfully preached the gospel of grace with an emphasis on the community.
