A Church of hope in the community

Halesford Baptist Church stands as a church of hope in the Westlake community. When contemplating attending church on Sundays, you should have confidence that you are coming to a "safe place" to worship God. Halesford is that safe place for you and your family. We have taken every precaution to make sure that your visit will be in a freshly sanitized environment so you can focus on your time worshiping God. 


UPDATE: Recently, our governor issued new restrictions on gatherings of 25 or more. These restrictions do not impact gatherings for instructional purposes. However, we take these guidelines seriously and will continue to urge mask wearing and physical distancing in all of our services. We have changed the format of our adult small groups (Sunday School) and moved the classes into larger spaces (Chapel & Gymnasium) for physical distancing. Finally, for your safety, the heating system for our church sanctuary is fitted with an ultraviolet light component to help protect against Covid-19 - and the sanctuary is sanitized after every service.  

Guidelines for attending

If you have any underlying health conditions - chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart conditions, kidney disease - or any condition that leaves you immunocompromised, please stay sheltered at home. Individuals with the following symptoms are also asked to stay home...

  • Fever
  • Persistent cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Lost of taste or smell

Our goal is to do everything we can to keep you, and the people you love, safe.

attendance guidelines for everyone's safety

In order for our services to go smoothly...

  • Please feel free to use the temperature check stations when you enter the building
  • Face masks should be worn by all individuals 10 and older when in public spaces
  • Please maintain 6 to 9 foot Social Distancing from everyone else
  • For now, we will ask for no handshaking, hugging, or any other personal contact
  • Please make use of the hand sanitizer when entering/exiting the building
  • Families should sit together during worship services
  • Seating should be adjusted to maintain Social Distancing
  • Offering plates will not be passed, but offering buckets are available in the foyer - and please continue to give online
  • Please exit the building soon after the worship service has ended

pastor Polston update

I just wanted to say thank you to my church family for all of the prayers, cards, emails, texts, and phone calls to check on me. As of today (Feb. 3rd) I am doing much better physically. After contracting Covid at the end of October, and a 6-day hospital stay at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh, NC - we were finally able to see a pulmonologist in Bedford, as well as a Covid ICU Support Team of doctors in Lynchburg. My pulmonologist said that she did not not see any significant lung damage, on my chest x-ray, from the blood clots in my lungs, and all doctors cleared me for light exercise. After waiting for 2 months, I now have a primary care physician, and will go back to see the pulmonologist this month to find out if I am able to stop taking the blood thinning medication I am on. Finally, one of the lingering issues from my bout with Covid concerns the ability to get proper rest. I am getting better in every other way, but would still covet your prayers for this. I thank and praise God for my healing thus far and give Him every bit of the credit. I know that He has answered the faithful prayers of His people and I am forever grateful.


With great appreciation,

Pastor Polston