Woodrow United Methodist Church

Did that old tombstone just say 1767? You might think you’ve wandered into a time capsule here at the Woodrow United Methodist Church. But those weathered stones are only whispering the beginning of the story. The Woodrow United Methodist Church, right here before us, is a testament to faith that spans centuries. Its story begins much earlier than its construction in 1842. Picture this: It’s November of 1771. Francis Asbury, a crucial figure in early American Methodism, stepped off the Blazing Star Ferry onto Staten Island. His destination? A simple house belonging to Peter Van Pelt. It was there, amidst the rolling hills, that the seeds of Methodism were sown on Staten Island. This very spot, where the Woodrow United Methodist Church now stands, became the heart of a growing congregation. The church we see today isn’t the original structure. The first church, built of wood and facing the road, was smaller than its successor. In 1842, tragedy struck when lightning ignited the building. The flames devoured the church, leaving only memories and a pile of charred timber. Yet, from the ashes rose a new beacon of faith. The present Woodrow United Methodist Church was erected on the same hallowed ground that same year, its front now facing the road. It was dedicated on a snowy Christmas Day, a beacon of hope amidst the winter chill. Today, this beautiful building stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Woodrow community and reminds us that faith, like the church itself, can rise even stronger from the ashes of adversity.