Western Hills Christian Church, at the corner of Huebner and Eckert Roads in Northwest San Antonio, had its beginning November 18, 1956, when the Rev. Don Baugh, gathered a group of 24 persons who committed themselves to begin a new Disciples of Christ congregation in northwest San Antonio.  In February of 1957, Robert Peterson was called to be the first pastor, and by the end of the first year there were 92 charter members.  Like most new church starts, the congregation met first in the home of one of the members, then moved to Baskin Elementary School and finally to Northside Elementary School, each time to have more room.

As the church grew, permanent facilities were needed and the Maverick homestead on Sunshine Ranch Road was purchased; 200 persons attended the ground breaking service on March 1, 1959.  The first worship service was held September 6, 1959, and the buildings were formally dedicated on March 6, 1960.

In August 1965, Tracy Hopper became the second pastor of the congregation.  In January 1971, Bill Parkey became the third pastor of the church.  In August 1973, Harold Guess became the fourth pastor of the church, a position that he held until August 1995.  Following the departure of Rev. Guess, Rev. Herb Polinard served as Interim Pastor of the congregation.  Rev. Larry T. West became the fifth Pastor of Western Hills in October 1996, and served in that position until his retirement in May 2005.  Following Rev. West’s retirement, Rev. Dr. Gary Bronson served as interim minister until July 2006.  Our sixth and current minister, Rev. Rusty Wright (who was a Timothy of this church) began his ministry in August 2006.

The burning of the mortgage for the Sunshine Ranch facility was celebrated January 9, 1977.  In March 1979, the congregation voted to relocate farther to the northwest and in March 1980 voted to purchase its present site at the intersection of Huebner and Eckhert Roads.  Following the sale of the Sunshine Ranch Road property in October 1981, the congregation met in the Methodist Mission Home.  Construction on the current building was started in 1981 and the congregation moved into its current facility in February 1984.

The move was a good one.  Seventy-six new members were added the first year and the church was recognized as the fastest growing Christian Church in our size category.  We recognized the need for a new building and in August 1988, following a lot of work by the Architectural Committee, the design for a new building were presented to the congregation for approval.  In December 1988, we broke ground for our new fellowship hall.  In March 1989 the Runnels Building, named in honor of Tom Runnels, became a reality.

Western Hills continues to joyfully serve the Lord in Northwest San Antonio.  We have a broad program of worship, Christian education, and youth and adult fellowship.  Our choir sings out of their love of the Lord and it shows in every anthem and in the Easter and Christmas cantatas.  Lori West is the spirit filled director of our choir.  Julia Pickens, our organist, has been lending her talent to our church for over 25 years.  During the holidays (and other special times), you will encounter wonderful smells coming from the Runnels Building as the congregation shares food and fellowship (visitors welcome).  We hope our joy found in serving Our Lord is contagious.

See the contact information on the contact page, should you wish to contact Western Hills Christian Church.  You can also call the church.  Don’t hesitate to leave us a voicemail message if you don’t reach a person.  We would love it if you join us for Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. this coming Sunday and for the Praise Singing and Worship that follows at 10:45 a.m.