Van Westberry ... 1925-2008
 

http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.../80403036/1023

He wasn't a "famous" preacher, but he was a vital part of section seven and the Louisiana District for many years.

Much of the apathy, lack of direction and substance I see in the UPC ministry today I will admit is simply a generational thing.

Read Brother Westberry's service record and you know where his character came from. His generation was faced with a huge task and simply rolled up their sleeves and got it done - unearthly heroism and valor on the battlefields of Europe coming from a kid straight out of high school.

And while some seem to want to obscure the record, Westberry built Lakeside UPC/Bethel Tabernacle into what it is today.

While the Manguns of course are the most well-known and celebrated UPC pastors in central Louisiana, many good men pastored the smaller churched in Pineville, Ball, Tioga etc. and were the grass roots of Section Seven; Westberry among them.

He was another east Texan who crossed the Sabine into Louisiana.

He was a good man and will be missed.

Re: Van Westberry ... 1925-2008
 

These are the footsolidiers that make the UPCI great ... God will give him a crown deserving of a prince.

Prayers for the family.

Thanks TimLan for your writings.

Re: Van Westberry ... 1925-2008
 

I used to be a part of the congregation at the Mangun's church, and I do agree with you. There are many good pastors and preachers in Ball/Pineville and all those other towns that seem to be every 2 miles. hehehe Thank you for sharing about this wonderful man of God.