A congregation who’s church building has been part of the Beaumont skyline since the 1800's have decided to dissolve.

An historical marker in front of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in downtown tells the congregations history, dating back to 1880 when traveling Presbyterian preachers began holding services. Pastor Carol Tompkins tells KBMT 12 News the congregation was diminishing. There are only 55 members left. Because of this, the church board voted November 15th to disband as a congregation and to sell the church assets.

The church-run daycare will continue as a stand-alone daycare. Plans are to operate out of the church building until it sells.

The historic marker in front of the church reads: Presbyterian worship services were led in this area by traveling preachers until the Rev. S. F. Tenney and the Rev. W. C. Wallace organized the First Presbyterian Church of Beaumont on February 28, 1880. The Rev. Wallace served as supply preacher for the seven charter members who met in the county courthouse and a rented hall. In 1881 this lot was purchased and a frame building erected the next year. The Rev. F. E. Robbins (1867-1918) became the first pastor in 1896. Membership increased and the frame church building was relocated in 1909. It served a local mission which became the second Presbyterian church. This sanctuary was completed in 1911. The Central Presbyterian Church developed from First Presbyterian. The two congregations reunited on May 8, 1921, when 484 charter members under the leadership of the Rev. F. S. Henderson (1883-1936) established the Westminster Presbyterian Church. Many Beaumont area fellowships including Amelia, Pioneer, Robbins Memorial, St. Andrews, Second, Silsbee, Sour Lake, and Vidor Presbyterian churches have begun as missions of this congregation. Fourteen ordained ministers and two directors of Christian education have come from this fellowship. (1979)