D. Gene West, current minister for the Hillview
Terrace congregation in Moundsville, West Virginia, was honored
for his dedicated service as a preacher of the Gospel for more
than 50 years. More than 200 people gathered at the multi-purpose
room of the West Virginia School of Preaching building in Moundsville
to pay honor and tribute to this fine gospel preacher.
Following a catered luncheon, several spoke on
behalf of the crowd. Hillview Terrace deacon Randy Chamberlain
ably handled the master of ceremonies duties for the afternoon,
seasoning the presentations with bits of appropriate humor.
Steve Snider, the preacher at Barrackville, WV,
began the program and offered insight into Brother West's lengthy
career from the viewpoint of a co-laborer in the vineyard. The
Wests' son-in-law, Ken Davis, from Canal Winchester, Ohio, spoke
next, concentrating on Gene's masterful delivery of sermons and
his grandchildren's desire to hear their grandpa preach the word.
Andy Robison, the located preacher for the Hopewell congregation,
Washington, WV, recalled early years of learning at the feet of
Brother West, then paid fitting tribute to Shirley West, Gene's
beloved wife. Dan Kessinger, minister of the Dewey Avenue congregation
in St. Mary's, WV, and a son-in-law as well, saluted both the
preaching and counseling abilities of the honoree. Finally, Rick
Kelley, a second-year student in the West Virginia School of Preaching,
shared insights into brother West's teaching career.
Among the many gifts bestowed upon him was a framed
tribute signed by his six grandchildren: Nathan, Jacob, Rebekah,
and Aaron Davis, and D.J. and Thomas Kessinger.
Brother West was baptized into Christ in 1950
by Jess W. Nutter. In 1957, he married the former Shirley Ann
Bissett. To this union were born three children: Kandi Davis (husband,
Ken); Mary Amy Kessinger (husband, Dan); and Todd West (wife,
Donna). Six grandchildren complete the immediate family.
Educated in West Virginia's public schools, he
furthered his education at Freed-Hardeman College (now University)
[A.A. in Religious Education], West Liberty State College [A.B.
degrees in Philosophy, Religion, Spanish, and Speech], and Fairmont
State College [B.S. in Psychology].
Gene began his career of preaching with the brethren
at Hundred, WV, and has labored with these additional congregations
in West Virginia: Hillview Terrace in Moundsville [where he returned
in 2001 and currently serves], Grand Central in Vienna, Oakwood
Road in Fairmont, and Steelton in New Martinsville. He has also
served with the Lord's church in Kissimmee, Florida, and Martin's
Ferry, Ohio.
Brother West is a former owner and editor of the
Bible Herald, a gospel journal published for many years,
and has written for various brotherhood publications throughout
his career. His commentary on the book of Revelation is currently
at the publisher.
In addition to these responsibilities, brother
West taught for five years at Ohio Valley College during the l970s
and has taught at the West Virginia School of Preaching since
its inception in 1994.
D. Gene West has preached for more than 50 years.
He has shared the unsearchable riches of Christ Jesus with more
souls than one could count. We honor his service; we appreciate
his steadfastness; we cherish his friendship. Even more, we rejoice
that he has already embarked on his second 50 years of preaching!
-P.O. Box 785, Moundsville, WV 26041.