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!
The Chapel
The original chapel was completed with a seating capacity of 100.
Education Building
A sorely-needed one story education building was built.
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.
Worship Center
Groundbreaking for Northwest’s 850-seat Worship Center (sanctuary) and office building began.
Gymnasium
The Family Life Center (gym) was completed and occupied. It was used for banquets, receptions, sporting events, and offices.
Chapel Remodel
The original chapel was remodeled, adding 5,700 square feet. It housed the performing arts department offices and choir practice rooms.
Jim Westgate
Jim Westgate became the interim Senior Pastor.
Scott Gossenberger
Scott Gossenberger became the Senior Pastor.
H. Spees
H. Spees became the Senior Pastor.
Dale Galloway
Dale Galloway became the interim Senior Pastor.
Mark Platt
Mark Platt became the interim Senior Pastor.
Worship Center Remodel
The Worship Center (sanctuary) was updated and remodeled.
50th Anniversary
The church held its 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Will Stoll
Pastor Will Stoll became the Senior Pastor.
Live & Loud worship venue
The Family Life Center (gym) was remodeled to become the Live & Loud worship venue.
Northwest Kids Park
The education building was partially remodeled and turned into Northwest Kids Park.
New Student Building
The original chapel was remodeled to become the new Student Building.