the history of westPres
(Compiled by Juan J. Sarmiento on September 17, 2026)
The story of Westminster Presbyterian Church is closely tied to the remarkable growth of Burbank in the middle of the twentieth century. During the years surrounding the Second World War, Burbank was being transformed by the expansion of the aircraft and entertainment industries. Lockheed’s enormous wartime operation brought thousands of workers and their families to the area, while the motion-picture industry continued to expand. Burbank’s population, housing, schools, and community institutions grew rapidly as a result. It was in this changing community that Westminster Presbyterian Church took root.
The beginnings were modest and deeply personal. Westminster’s own history remembers a woman affectionately known as “Mother Rich,” who gathered children for Sunday school in her backyard. Her ministry represented something that would continue to characterize Westminster: Christian faith practiced through relationships, hospitality, and attention to the surrounding community.
In 1946, the Presbyterian Church Extension Board asked Rev. James Landon Carter, a former Navy chaplain, to survey Burbank and consider the possibility of establishing a new Presbyterian congregation. Carter and his wife moved into a temporary manse on Myers Street in January 1947. Worship services, meetings, and other gatherings were soon taking place in and around their home. Legacies of Faith describes this period as the beginning of an intentionally planted congregation designed to serve the rapidly developing postwar community.
Westminster Presbyterian Church Burbank was incorporated with 62 charter members, on March 30, 1947, as part of the United Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Presbytery of Los Angeles.
(Other documents preserve a recollection of approximately 70 charter members participating in the congregation at the time of its organization and call to Rev. Carter.) Whatever the precise count, the picture is clear: within a very short period, a substantial group of families had committed themselves to forming a new Presbyterian congregation in Burbank. In the late 1940's the church rented a storefront on Olive Ave. which was used for worship services. The land the present building stands on 544 N. Buena Vista St. was purchased in 1948 for $14,900.00 and the Sanctuary was constructed in 1949. Since much of the work was done by the congregation the building was built for $36,864.00. The architectural firm for the work was Orr, Strange and Inslee of Los Angeles. The current sanctuary, fellowship hall and classroom complex were dedicated on August 7, 1949.
The first called minister was Rev. James Landon Carter. He is remembered as an able preacher, buoyant spirit, and rather charismatic man. He left Westminster in 1950 to return to military chaplaincy during the Korean War. The interim minister who followed was Rev. Dr. Herman G. Klemme. He served until June 1952.
In 1952 the building was expanded to meet the needs of the growing church. The two-story addition was built at the rear, increasing the size of the plant by about 3,000 feet, at a cost of $29,000. It was dedicated on October 25, 1953. In 1957 the adjoining property at 542 N. Buena Vista was purchased at a cost of $18,500.00, this became the church office.
The Rev. Robert Goodwin was the second called pastor in June of 1952 and served for 16 years, (1952 to August 1968). He was a hard worker who immersed himself in every aspect of the churches program. He communicated a pastoral heart which evidenced itself in deep concern for people. The church grew rapidly during the 1950's paralleling the rapid growth of the Burbank area. During this time the membership grew to 548, necessitating two services and two Sunday Schools. The interim minister who followed was Rev. Paul Louie who served from October 1968 to April 1969. By this point. Westminster had become more than a new church development. It had become an established neighborhood institution.
The Rev. Paul Messineo became Westminster’s third pastor on June 29, 1969. He served the church for seven years from 1969 to 1976. Rev. Messineo was a charismatic pastor who had a deep interest in history. During his time at West Pres the pipe organ was installed and dedicated on May 21, 1972. The sanctuary was remodeled and the old manse was sold. Most significantly for generations of Burbank families, Westminster Preschool was established in 1970. More than half a century later, the preschool continues to be one of Westminster’s most visible ministries to the community. It now serves children from ages two through five and describes its purpose as providing Christian education that encourages emotional, physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual development.
The Interim Minister who followed was an Intern named Mr. Jack Irwin; he served for 13 months and then stayed on to assist Westminster’s next called pastor.
Rev. Greg Ogden was called to be Westminster’s fourth called pastor on April 1, 1977, he served seven years, from 1977 to 1984. During Rev. Ogden’s time he began using Interns from Fuller Theological Seminary to assist in the ministry and started a counseling ministry called C.A.R.E. Westminster’s connection with Fuller became one expression of its interest not only in maintaining congregational programs but also in forming Christian leaders and responding pastorally to the needs of individuals and families. The present manse at 536 N. Buena Vista St was also purchased. The interim minister who followed was Rev. Russell J. Prentice, he served from September 1984 to July 1985.
Rev. Stew Drake was called to be the fifth pastor of Westminster in August 1985. He served for nine years from 1985 to 1994. During Stew’s time at West Pres, there was an increase of younger people attending the church, the manse was expanded and there was an increased focus on the Holy Spirit. The interim minister who followed was Rev. Steve Craig who served from 1994 to 1996.
Rev. Paul Clairville is the sixth and current pastor of Westminster. His first Sunday was February 11, 1996. He continues to serve the congregation today. Rev. Clairville brought to Westminster a particularly appropriate combination of interests for a church located in Burbank. Before theological education at Fuller Seminary, he studied sociology and theater. Over time, Westminster developed a distinctive creative ministry reflecting the talents of many people connected with the entertainment industry.
Among its best-known expressions was “Nativity: The Musical,” a humorous and creative retelling of the Christmas story developed by Greg and Melissa Baldwin. The production ran for more than a decade and became part of a wider tradition of theatrical and musical productions at Westminster. That heritage continues through the church’s IMAGINE ministry, which uses theater, music, comedy, and the artistic gifts of members as vehicles for community and Christian witness.
That creativity illustrates an important dimension of Westminster’s history. The church has generally not attempted to separate itself from the culture of Burbank. Instead, it has sought ways to use the gifts, professions, personalities, and experiences of its people in the service of Christian community.
Like congregations throughout the country, Westminster faced an unprecedented challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Worship patterns and congregational relationships changed significantly, but the congregation endured the disruption and emerged from the pandemic with an active ministry. In 2020 Westminster called Rev. Adam Jones as its first associate pastor; he served until the fall of 2023.
Today Westminster describes itself with the memorable phrase, “taking God seriously, ourselves not so much.” Behind the humor is a theological conviction the church expresses as holding together biblical authority and grace. Its current ministry combines worship and Christian education with youth and children’s programs, small groups, mission, service, fellowship, music, creative arts, and the continuing ministry of Westminster Preschool. The congregation emphasizes service to neighbors, particularly through efforts connected with clothing, housing, feeding, and other needs within the local community.
Westminster also remains part of the wider Presbyterian family. Having begun under the Presbytery of Los Angeles, it became one of the congregations of the Presbytery of San Fernando when that new presbytery was created in 1968. It continues today as a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and of San Fernando Presbytery.
In many respects, Westminster’s nearly eighty-year history reflects the changing story of American Presbyterian congregations themselves. It began during an era of extraordinary postwar church growth, built facilities as families poured into Southern California suburbs, developed educational and pastoral ministries as the community matured, and later learned to navigate changing patterns of religious participation and culture.
Yet there is also considerable continuity. From Mother Rich gathering children in her backyard, to charter members meeting in homes and rented rooms, to generations building and expanding the Buena Vista campus, to preschool teachers welcoming children, musicians and actors sharing their gifts, and members serving their neighbors, Westminster’s history has repeatedly been built around people making room for other people.
Buildings, programs, worship styles, and generations have changed. The underlying calling has remained remarkably recognizable: to create Christian community in Burbank where faith is taken seriously, grace is generously practiced, gifts are joyfully shared, and neighbors are welcomed and served.
The beginnings were modest and deeply personal. Westminster’s own history remembers a woman affectionately known as “Mother Rich,” who gathered children for Sunday school in her backyard. Her ministry represented something that would continue to characterize Westminster: Christian faith practiced through relationships, hospitality, and attention to the surrounding community.
In 1946, the Presbyterian Church Extension Board asked Rev. James Landon Carter, a former Navy chaplain, to survey Burbank and consider the possibility of establishing a new Presbyterian congregation. Carter and his wife moved into a temporary manse on Myers Street in January 1947. Worship services, meetings, and other gatherings were soon taking place in and around their home. Legacies of Faith describes this period as the beginning of an intentionally planted congregation designed to serve the rapidly developing postwar community.
Westminster Presbyterian Church Burbank was incorporated with 62 charter members, on March 30, 1947, as part of the United Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Presbytery of Los Angeles.
(Other documents preserve a recollection of approximately 70 charter members participating in the congregation at the time of its organization and call to Rev. Carter.) Whatever the precise count, the picture is clear: within a very short period, a substantial group of families had committed themselves to forming a new Presbyterian congregation in Burbank. In the late 1940's the church rented a storefront on Olive Ave. which was used for worship services. The land the present building stands on 544 N. Buena Vista St. was purchased in 1948 for $14,900.00 and the Sanctuary was constructed in 1949. Since much of the work was done by the congregation the building was built for $36,864.00. The architectural firm for the work was Orr, Strange and Inslee of Los Angeles. The current sanctuary, fellowship hall and classroom complex were dedicated on August 7, 1949.
The first called minister was Rev. James Landon Carter. He is remembered as an able preacher, buoyant spirit, and rather charismatic man. He left Westminster in 1950 to return to military chaplaincy during the Korean War. The interim minister who followed was Rev. Dr. Herman G. Klemme. He served until June 1952.
In 1952 the building was expanded to meet the needs of the growing church. The two-story addition was built at the rear, increasing the size of the plant by about 3,000 feet, at a cost of $29,000. It was dedicated on October 25, 1953. In 1957 the adjoining property at 542 N. Buena Vista was purchased at a cost of $18,500.00, this became the church office.
The Rev. Robert Goodwin was the second called pastor in June of 1952 and served for 16 years, (1952 to August 1968). He was a hard worker who immersed himself in every aspect of the churches program. He communicated a pastoral heart which evidenced itself in deep concern for people. The church grew rapidly during the 1950's paralleling the rapid growth of the Burbank area. During this time the membership grew to 548, necessitating two services and two Sunday Schools. The interim minister who followed was Rev. Paul Louie who served from October 1968 to April 1969. By this point. Westminster had become more than a new church development. It had become an established neighborhood institution.
The Rev. Paul Messineo became Westminster’s third pastor on June 29, 1969. He served the church for seven years from 1969 to 1976. Rev. Messineo was a charismatic pastor who had a deep interest in history. During his time at West Pres the pipe organ was installed and dedicated on May 21, 1972. The sanctuary was remodeled and the old manse was sold. Most significantly for generations of Burbank families, Westminster Preschool was established in 1970. More than half a century later, the preschool continues to be one of Westminster’s most visible ministries to the community. It now serves children from ages two through five and describes its purpose as providing Christian education that encourages emotional, physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual development.
The Interim Minister who followed was an Intern named Mr. Jack Irwin; he served for 13 months and then stayed on to assist Westminster’s next called pastor.
Rev. Greg Ogden was called to be Westminster’s fourth called pastor on April 1, 1977, he served seven years, from 1977 to 1984. During Rev. Ogden’s time he began using Interns from Fuller Theological Seminary to assist in the ministry and started a counseling ministry called C.A.R.E. Westminster’s connection with Fuller became one expression of its interest not only in maintaining congregational programs but also in forming Christian leaders and responding pastorally to the needs of individuals and families. The present manse at 536 N. Buena Vista St was also purchased. The interim minister who followed was Rev. Russell J. Prentice, he served from September 1984 to July 1985.
Rev. Stew Drake was called to be the fifth pastor of Westminster in August 1985. He served for nine years from 1985 to 1994. During Stew’s time at West Pres, there was an increase of younger people attending the church, the manse was expanded and there was an increased focus on the Holy Spirit. The interim minister who followed was Rev. Steve Craig who served from 1994 to 1996.
Rev. Paul Clairville is the sixth and current pastor of Westminster. His first Sunday was February 11, 1996. He continues to serve the congregation today. Rev. Clairville brought to Westminster a particularly appropriate combination of interests for a church located in Burbank. Before theological education at Fuller Seminary, he studied sociology and theater. Over time, Westminster developed a distinctive creative ministry reflecting the talents of many people connected with the entertainment industry.
Among its best-known expressions was “Nativity: The Musical,” a humorous and creative retelling of the Christmas story developed by Greg and Melissa Baldwin. The production ran for more than a decade and became part of a wider tradition of theatrical and musical productions at Westminster. That heritage continues through the church’s IMAGINE ministry, which uses theater, music, comedy, and the artistic gifts of members as vehicles for community and Christian witness.
That creativity illustrates an important dimension of Westminster’s history. The church has generally not attempted to separate itself from the culture of Burbank. Instead, it has sought ways to use the gifts, professions, personalities, and experiences of its people in the service of Christian community.
Like congregations throughout the country, Westminster faced an unprecedented challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Worship patterns and congregational relationships changed significantly, but the congregation endured the disruption and emerged from the pandemic with an active ministry. In 2020 Westminster called Rev. Adam Jones as its first associate pastor; he served until the fall of 2023.
Today Westminster describes itself with the memorable phrase, “taking God seriously, ourselves not so much.” Behind the humor is a theological conviction the church expresses as holding together biblical authority and grace. Its current ministry combines worship and Christian education with youth and children’s programs, small groups, mission, service, fellowship, music, creative arts, and the continuing ministry of Westminster Preschool. The congregation emphasizes service to neighbors, particularly through efforts connected with clothing, housing, feeding, and other needs within the local community.
Westminster also remains part of the wider Presbyterian family. Having begun under the Presbytery of Los Angeles, it became one of the congregations of the Presbytery of San Fernando when that new presbytery was created in 1968. It continues today as a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and of San Fernando Presbytery.
In many respects, Westminster’s nearly eighty-year history reflects the changing story of American Presbyterian congregations themselves. It began during an era of extraordinary postwar church growth, built facilities as families poured into Southern California suburbs, developed educational and pastoral ministries as the community matured, and later learned to navigate changing patterns of religious participation and culture.
Yet there is also considerable continuity. From Mother Rich gathering children in her backyard, to charter members meeting in homes and rented rooms, to generations building and expanding the Buena Vista campus, to preschool teachers welcoming children, musicians and actors sharing their gifts, and members serving their neighbors, Westminster’s history has repeatedly been built around people making room for other people.
Buildings, programs, worship styles, and generations have changed. The underlying calling has remained remarkably recognizable: to create Christian community in Burbank where faith is taken seriously, grace is generously practiced, gifts are joyfully shared, and neighbors are welcomed and served.