Our Story

Founded

Northwest Church was established by the First Baptist Church of Kingsburg on a five acre site on the corner of West & Barstow. The small group of planters included four college students and two elderly saints. The first pastor of the church was Curtis Martin, a young Bethel Seminary graduate. They initially met in a home just behind a gas station at Shaw and West. Within a few months, God brought them an unheard of at the time 100 new people!

1958

The Chapel

The original chapel was completed with a seating capacity of 100.

1960

Education Building

A sorely-needed one story education building was built.

Early 1960s

Bufe Karraker

Director of Fresno Youth for Christ, Bufe Karraker, was called to serve as the interim pastor of Northwest Church. He ended up serving for over 30 years.

1968

Worship Center

Groundbreaking for Northwest’s 850-seat Worship Center (sanctuary) and office building began.

1973

Gymnasium

The Family Life Center (gym) was completed and occupied. It was used for banquets, receptions, sporting events, and offices.

1994

Chapel Remodel

The original chapel was remodeled, adding 5,700 square feet. It housed the performing arts department offices and choir practice rooms.

1997

Jim Westgate

Jim Westgate became the interim Senior Pastor.

2001

Scott Gossenberger

Scott Gossenberger became the Senior Pastor.

2002

H. Spees

H. Spees became the Senior Pastor.

2004

Dale Galloway

Dale Galloway became the interim Senior Pastor.

2007

Mark Platt

Mark Platt became the interim Senior Pastor.

2008

Worship Center Remodel

The Worship Center (sanctuary) was updated and remodeled.

2008

50th Anniversary

The church held its 50th Anniversary Celebration.

2008

Will Stoll

Pastor Will Stoll became the Senior Pastor.

2009

Live & Loud worship venue

The Family Life Center (gym) was remodeled to become the Live & Loud worship venue.

2010

Northwest Kids Park

The education building was partially remodeled and turned into Northwest Kids Park.

2015

New Student Building

The original chapel was remodeled to become the new Student Building.

2017
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