Westwood Baptist is a big church with an approximate membership of 2,500 and a growing ministry in the Alabaster area.

Awana, children’s choir, Area 51, three services, summer camp and even husband and wife retreats are just some of the opportunities at Westwood.

Heading this church is Les Hughes, an energetic man with a winning personality.

Hughes, originally from Louisville, Ky., has been married to Paige Henderson for 24 years. Although he dropped out of college and was in a management position with Piggly Wiggly when they met and married, he soon felt God calling him.

His B.A. in religion is from Mississippi College in Clinton and his master of divinity and PhD are from New Orleans Baptist Seminary. He was a professor and chair of Christian studies and philosophy at Mississippi College. Eventually he wanted to serve a congregation again and took the opportunity to come to Westwood.

It has been eight years since Les and his family made that move. He hopes to see people spiritually healthy, husbands and wives in tune to God, children obedient to parents, families who pass down their values, and a world that will stop being over indulgent. He says real change must begin in our hearts, at home and at church.

Sandra Thames can be reached by e–mail at bobthames1942@yahoo.com.