TO THE EDITOR: In the early 1800s, Isaac D. Bogert, a Civil War veteran, who was Westwood’s postmaster from 1870 to 1893, and his family, sold a piece of land for one dollar which later housed the city’s first church, Westwood Chapel. The church was born on Oct. 13, 1886 with the hope of uniting a small community of under 900 people.
With the birth of a small church and a determined community came the incorporation of Westwood on May 8, 1894, and the continued leadership of Bogert who became the first mayor.
In 1941, the church’s steeple survived a lightning strike because of the quick action of Westwood’s emergency service workers and heroes who were founded in 1894. By 1899, a water plant constructed by Cornelius S. DeBraun provided water to Westwood’s residents.
Westwood Chapel continued to grow and develop, further connecting Westwood’s history to its dedication to maintain an inclusive community. Pastor Rodney Haveman joined what we now know as Parkside Community Church in September 2001. Today, it remains the oldest church in Westwood.
The community continued to grow stronger as John Birkner Jr. was elected as mayor in 2007. He showed bravery and courage as Westwood held its first Pride Ceremony in front of City Hall on June 20, 2018. Residents joined hands under the Pride Flag and celebrated the love of its family and friends.
While surrounded by Westwood’s continued warmth and hospitality, Parkside Community Church adopted its fully inclusive welcome statement which officially made them a welcoming and affirming church on Oct. 7, 2018. Being rooted deep in the heart of Westwood can inspire growth of enormous magnitude.
With a population now over 11,000, Westwood and its neighbors are stronger than ever. Events like winter’s Home for the Holidays and summer’s Movies in the Park allow residents to come together and celebrate peace, love, and fellowship.
June 1–8 will be filled with events to celebrate Westwood’s history. From fresh food and water to movies and crafts, Westwood will be opening its arms to everyone who wants to celebrate its history. Stop by Veterans Memorial Park and downtown Westwood for daily events. It’s time to make history of your own.