Welcome to Westminster Baptist Church

As featured in the upcoming docu-series From The Ring To The Pulpit,
Pastor Robert E. Carson is a Man whose life reflects discipline, transformation, and Divine calling.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Pastor Carson began his career in boxing at a young age. He competed six years as an amateur and eleven years professionally, fighting across the United States and internationally.

During his amateur career, he captured the Cleveland Ohio Golden Gloves Championship—winning once for the city and once for the state. He later relocated to California, where he rose to prominence and was ranked No. 1 in the I.B.A.

In 2021, Robert E. Carson was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, and in 2025, he was honored with placement on the National Boxing Hall of Fame ballot for California—a testament to his excellence, perseverance, and legacy in the sport.

At the peak of his boxing career, God radically transformed his life.

On his biological birthday, December 6, Pastor Carson surrendered his life to the Lord, was water-baptized, and on December 6, 1992 he was filled with the Holy Spirit.

This life-changing encounter marked the beginning of his calling into ministry.

In 2019, he became an Elder, and on March 15, 2023, he was appointed Pastor in the Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.).

Committed to biblical excellence, Pastor Carson attended West Angeles C.O.G.I.C. Bible College, where he maintained a 4.0 GPA—a remarkable achievement after having dropped out of high school in the tenth grade.

For over 27 years, he has faithfully served under the leadership of Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, completing extensive training including:

• Sermon Preparation 
• Through the Bible in a Year 
• The Life of Jesus Christ 
• Discipleship Studies 

Today, Pastor Robert E. Carson Evangelizes and speaks throughout the United States, boldly preaching the unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Through powerful testimonies of faith, healing, and restoration, lives continue to be transformed for the Glory of God.

Senior Pastor Nate DeVaughn is a dedicated leader, visionary, and servant of God, committed to carrying forward the powerful legacy established by his father, Reverend Will Owen DeVaughn, the founder of Westminster Baptist Church.

Raised in a foundation of faith, Pastor Nate DeVaughn has a deep understanding of the church’s mission and calling. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to biblical truth, community impact, and spiritual growth, ensuring that the vision of Westminster Baptist Church continues to thrive for future generations.

With a heart for people and a passion for ministry, he leads with integrity, compassion, and purpose, guiding the church in strengthening families, developing disciples, and expanding outreach efforts throughout the community.

As Senior Pastor, he oversees the continued development of ministries and plays a vital role in advancing the church’s mission through worship, teaching, and service. Under his leadership, Westminster Baptist Church continues to serve as a place of restoration, transformation, and hope.

Pastor Nate DeVaughn is especially committed to the ongoing success of Westminster Baptist Church Transitional Living, supporting its mission to provide Bible-based guidance, recovery support, and housing for individuals seeking a new path forward.

Through his leadership, the church remains a beacon of light in the community—empowering lives, strengthening faith, and building a lasting legacy for the glory of God.

Reverend Will Owen DeVaughn was born on February 22, 1923, in Maple Grove, Alabama. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Zion City, Alabama, in the Five Mile Creek.

Answering the call to ministry, he was ordained at the age of twenty-two, beginning a lifetime of faithful service and leadership.

Reverend DeVaughn’s ministry spanned multiple churches across the United States, including:

• Mt. Zion Baptist Church — Zion City, AL 
• Union Baptist Church — Homewood, AL 
• Valley Street Baptist Church — Arlington, VA 
• First AME Church — Bainbridge, GA 
• Smith Chapel AME Church — Atlanta, GA 
• Springfield Baptist Church — Greensboro, GA 
• Disciples of Christ — Cabbage Town, GA 
• Assistant Pastor, Calvary Hill Baptist Church — Atlanta, GA 
• Upper Room Baptist Church — Los Angeles, CA 
• New Hope Baptist Church — Wilmington, CA

He ultimately became the Founder of Westminster Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California.

In November 1968, Reverend DeVaughn founded Westminster Baptist Church in Historic South-Central Los Angeles at:

2300 Griffith Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90011

The church was officially dedicated in November 1970, establishing a lasting spiritual foundation in the community.

In 2017, the church was renovated into the Westminster Baptist Church Transitional Living, expanding its mission beyond worship to include restoration and outreach.

It is the flagship for the legacy of Reverend Will Owen DeVaughn, which is being championed by his son, Senior Pastor Nate DeVaughn.

The church now provides:

• A Bible-based program 
• A Twelve-Step Sober Living Program 
• Housing for up to 60 male and female residents 
• Ongoing spiritual guidance and support through dedicated volunteer ministry staff 
• 24 hour security

Reverend Will Owen DeVaughn’s legacy is one of faith, service, leadership, and transformation—impacting generations through the power of Christ and the enduring mission of Westminster Baptist Church.

A man of great discipline and courage, Reverend DeVaughn was:

• A World War II Veteran 
• Wounded in service and awarded two Purple Hearts for Military Merit 

He was also a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he studied alongside:

• Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 
• Reverend Thomas Kilgore, Jr., Pastor of nearby Second Baptist Church.