Woodland Chapel History

In the spring of 1955 the seed, which would grow into Woodland Chapel, was planted by the Decatur Council of Churches.  Recognizing a need for new churches in this area of the city, the council suggested to the Presbytery of Springfield that a new church be formed.  Following a survey of the area, the Presbytery purchased “Shady Acres,” a ten-acre site on Lost Bridge Road.  In November of 1955 Presbyterians living in the area met in the home of Dr. and Mrs. Carl Birk, and at that meeting initial plans were made for the new congregation, tentatively called the Community Presbyterian Church.

On February 26, 1956 the first service was held in the Sportsman’s Club, with Dr. Ralph Cummins in the pulpit.  Thirty adults and eighteen children attended this first service.  The Presbytery acted in September 1956 to organize the congregation and the official service of organization was held at E.J. Muffley School on October 7, 1956.  There were 86 charter members.

The first official meeting of the congregation and election of officers took place on October 21, 1956.  On November 28, 1956 a formal call was issued to the Rev. David McConaughy to become the first pastor of the Woodland Chapel Presbyterian Church.

Less than four years later, on June 6, 1960, the congregation of 225 members moved to its own building at the present location at 2710 E. Lost Bridge Road.  Between 1956 and 1970 the congregation grew to over 400 members.  Part of that growth came through the merger with the North Fork Presbyterian Church.  During the mid 1960's the North Fork Presbyterian Church, located north of the Decatur Airport, determined it was no longer able to minister to its area.  With a history dating back to 1855, it merged with Woodland Chapel in December 1968.  The North Fork Church building is now owned by the Macon County Historical Society.  The stained glass in the Pastor’s office is from the North Fork Church building.  The merger with North Fork both required and made possible the addition of the Christian Education wing, which was completed in 1969.  It was named North Fork Hall.

In September of 2006, Woodland Chapel celebrated it’s year of Jubilee, marking 50 years as a church.  Many former pastors were in attendance during the two day celebration.  Woodland chapel hosted a Jubilee Picnic along with a Praise and Worship Celebration on Saturday, September 16, 2006 followed by a Jubilee Celebration Worship Service on Sunday, September 17, 2007.  Guests were then served lunch at Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Woodland Chapel’s minister, Jack Pitzer together with the officers and members stand committed to growth for the next fifty years.