History of Woods Church

Woods Church was founded by eight organizing members in 1912. Our first pastor, Frank Churchill Woods, served the first six months without pay. The first church services were held in the local public elementary school. The first church building was financed with the help of a grant from the Baltimore Presbytery and a loan from the General Assembly through their new church development agencies. It was 25 years before the church reached a membership of about 150.

The Severna Park Presbyterian Church was officially renamed Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in 1946, in honor of Mr. Frank Churchill Woods. Since the original infrastructure was built, there have been two or three major expansions. Over the years, Woods Church has grown to be one of the largest churches in the Baltimore Presbytery. Our vibrant congregation has expanded to include more than 1200 members who are committed to local and global faith witness and mission. Woods is also responsible for the development of the Sunrise Senior Living Facility, the Woods Counseling and Care Center, and the Severna Park Community Center; all of which were supported by the congregation as a gift to the local community.