D. Gene West Honored

 

For 50 Years Of Preaching The Gospel

Christie Robison

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.

 

Return to West Virginia Christian