About Woodburn United Methodist Church

Discover Who We Are and What We Stand For

Our Faith and Mission

Welcome to Woodburn United Methodist Church, a vibrant community rooted in the teachings of John Wesley, an inspiring 18th-century preacher. Embracing Wesley’s call to faith, grace, and service, we are committed to living out our beliefs in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible. As part of the United Methodist Church, we share core Christian values and place a special emphasis on God’s grace, social justice, and our mission to transform the world through discipleship. Our rich heritage drives us to actively serve our community, support diverse congregations, and engage in meaningful outreach, all while welcoming everyone to experience God’s love and grace with us.

Mission Statement

Building peace and harmony through unity

Our Values

Open Hearts

We welcome and embrace everyone, believing in the inherent worth of every individual.

Open Minds

We seek to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives and ideas, fostering a spirit of learning and growth.

Open Doors

We strive to be accessible and available, offering support and service to our community and beyond.

Our History

Early Beginnings (1858-1876)

The Woodburn United Methodist Church traces its roots back to 1858 when services were first held in a log schoolhouse on French Prairie. After the schoolhouse burned down in 1861, services were moved to another log schoolhouse near the present Belle Passi Cemetery. By 1876, the congregation found a new home in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Woodburn.

Establishment and Growth (1891-1898)

In 1891, the Methodist Episcopal Church was officially incorporated by Samuel Layman, P.L. Kenady, and J.M. Poorman. The church building was completed and dedicated in late 1891. The parsonage, one of the finest in the city, was erected in 1895. By 1897, a new wing was added to the church, and the basement was refurbished. The church was fully paid off in 1898, marking the beginning of a prosperous period for the congregation.

Community and Wartime Efforts (1890s-1920s)

The church continued to grow, with many new members joining during revival sessions. During World War I, 44 young congregants joined the war effort, while others supported Red Cross activities and Liberty Loan drives. The Ladies Aid was formed in 1890, followed by the Home and Foreign Missionary Societies around 1906, which later became the Federated Women of the Episcopal Church in 1929. The 70th anniversary in 1928 was celebrated with a grand all-day meeting.

Rebuilding and Expansion (1948-1975)

A fire destroyed the 1891 church building in 1948, but the congregation swiftly rebuilt, meeting in the local high school and library until a new building was dedicated in 1956. The church continued to grow, necessitating a larger building, which was completed in 1975 after holding services at the Simon Mortuary during construction.

 

Trials and Triumphs (1981-1999)

In November 1981, a violent windstorm blew off the church’s skylight, leading to temporary services in the Fellowship Hall until a new roof was completed. A five-alarm fire in 1989 caused extensive damage, but after a $1 million rebuilding effort, the church reopened. In 1999, a time capsule was placed in the church’s brickwork, set to be opened in 2058 to celebrate 200 years of Methodism in Woodburn.

Resilience and Shared Spaces (2011-Present)

The congregation faced another challenge in 2011 when a corner of the sanctuary roof collapsed. Services were held in the Fellowship Hall during reconstruction. The church continues to thrive and now shares its building with two other congregations—Tu Amistad Cristiana and El Lirio de los Valles—demonstrating the church’s commitment to community and resilience in the face of adversity.