Isn’t it inspiring how a simple community center can evolve into a cherished place of worship? The story of Woodland Hills Methodist Church begins with a vision for a community hub. This hub would host Boy Scouts, the Woodland Hills Chamber of Commerce, and a church.
Dr. Nelson Drier initiated this project with support from the Southern California Council of Protestant Churches. The Congregational Conference provided $12,000 to purchase four lots. These lots were located at the corner of Dumetz Road and Canoga Avenue. An additional $500 was allocated for an old army barracks. Rev. Floyd Bailey became the first permanent pastor. The barracks opened for services on June 14, 1947.
In October 1948, Rev. Mel Harter took over as pastor of Woodland Hills Methodist Church. His wife, Marge, assisted with directing the cooperative nursery school starting in 1949. Tragedy struck in 1948 when the barracks burned down. Groundbreaking for Harter Hall commenced on December 5, 1948. Ralph Bowerman, a church member, served as the architect. He later designed the present sanctuary and Pilgrim Pines. James Denham was the contractor. He was also the father of charter member Eleanor Crouch and longtime member Mary Wright.
The Woodland Hills Community Church Nursery School has operated since the summer of 1955. It began as a cooperative school in 1949 under Mrs. Howard Munns’ leadership. Mrs. Oscar Reese became the director in 1951. Other directors included Marilyn Pedretti, Marjorie Morris, and Anita Hellstein. They significantly enhanced the school’s reputation.
The Men’s Fellowship formed in 1953. It sponsored the first YMCA Club in Woodland Hills. Nick Buzolich served as the supervisor. This coincided with the West Valley YMCA’s establishment in Reseda. The Women’s Fellowship emerged from two groups in 1955. Pledges for the sanctuary began in 1956. These efforts raised $71,000. This allowed the church to seek bids for sanctuary construction in early 1957.
Rev. Fred O. Doty became the pastor in July 1957. Groundbreaking for the present Woodland Hills Methodist Church took place on December 22, 1957. James Denham returned as the contractor. Church members donated their labor for the building. The dedication occurred on October 19, 1958. New classrooms were built in 1965 and completed in 1966. This structure is known as the Doty Building.
During Rev. Doty’s tenure, numerous notable speakers visited the church. Among them were Dr. Martin Luther King, Andrew Young, and John Wooden. Others included Louie Lomax, Lillian Smith, and Maurice Dawkins. Musical talents like Jester Hairston and John Raitt also graced the church. The first choir director was Jay Breese. He was followed by George Hunter and Bill Lee.
Rev. Donel McClellan joined in the fall of 1971. Rev. Robert Richter began his pastorate in 1982. Signe Hardesty became Pastoral Assistant in September 1988. A retirement party honored Bob Richter and his wife Devora on July 29, 1990. Rev. Philip Price was ordained here in June 1991. He served as minister for 11 years. In June 2002, the church bid farewell to Pastor Phil and his wife Vicki. Rev. Stephen Amsden became the pastor in August 2004. He served until his retirement in November 2008. Rev. Craig Peterson was called to serve in September 2009.
The Woodland Hills Methodist Church’s Christian Education program evolved into Youth Ministries. Numerous dedicated individuals have directed this program. As you can see, the church has been shaped by many devoted people. They joined together to build Woodland Hills Community Church. It stands today as a caring family of faith.