our history

West Hills Community Church has a rich and memorable history. We were originally incorporated as the First German Baptist Church of Salem, Oregon, on August 7, 1891. On January 30, 1945, the name was changed to Bethel Baptist Church to reflect a new season of expanding beyond the German focus. In 1963 the church voted to relocate their work to the Brush College Community, and on May 26, 1964, the name was changed again to Riviera Baptist Church, named after the proposed community name of its new location “Riviera Heights". “Riviera Heights” never fully materialized, and the congregation voted to change the name to West Hills Community Church in January 2000. West Hills Community Church is affiliated with the North American Baptist Church Conference.

In 1966, The church opened the first preschool and kindergarten located in West Salem. Currently Riviera Christian School offers classes from preschool through 6th grade, as well as daily child care.

In 2001, West Hills was at the end of a difficult season of decline. The church had experienced challenges and testings that forced the congregation to bring their hearts completely before the Lord. In 2002, the congregation partnered together in prayer, recommitted themselves to one another and to God... and moved forward. Since then we have seen God multiply His blessings, bring a season of renewal and revival and send us back out into the world to bring the light of His Son Jesus Christ into dark and weary places around our city.

Our Purpose

Building a community of people, who are experiencing new life with God and with others, by believing in Jesus Christ, worshipping Him, and learning to live every day by the Word of God.  

A complete Biblical Basis for the WHCC Purpose Statement can be found at this link. 

What We Believe

Our statements of faith are important core values that set us apart.  A complete list of our beliefs can be found at this link.

Our Staff

Use this link to learn about all our staff here at West Hills Community Church.