Our History
Since 1933
2023
Penwood Christian Church
celebrates its' 90th anniversary
Our Beginning
As a result, 37 adults and children attended the first Sunday School class held on January 1, 1933 in the Warner home on Penwood Ave. Sunday School, church services and prayer meetings continued in the Warner home during the remainder of the year.
Mr. Stansbury donated the lot on which the church stands at Mrs. Warner’s request for a piece of ground on which to erect a church building. The men of the community offered their time and talent for the building of the church which was accomplished under the supervision of Mr. Dale Warner, Sr. By December 1933 the church was complete except for electricity that the Sander family provided by the use of an extension cord from their home to the church. The first service was held on Christmas Eve, 1933.
Since 1933
1934-1945
The dedication service was held on Sunday, March 4, 1934.
With a growing congregation, plans were made in 1935 to add a basement as the original structure was only 18 inches above ground. A loan of $500.00 was obtained from a local bank and 6 church members offered their homes as collateral. The Ladies Sewing Circle was the principal fundraiser for this project; the Girls & Boys Club helped. One year later, February 12, 1936, the feat was accomplished. In March 1940, a fire gutted the inside of the church. When repairs were made, a baptistry was added and the front of the church rebuilt to its present structure. The new Penwood Christian Church was dedicated on October 20, 1940.
The bell in the steeple was given to the church in 1933 by local farmer, Mr. Bernard Foulke. It still signifies the call to worship on Sunday mornings and serves as a friendly invitation to all who wish to join with the present congregation. A very memorable ringing of the bell was in August 1945 announcing the end of World War II. The Penwood Community joined in a Service of Thanksgiving.
2000-2016
October of 2000 serves as another milestone for Penwood Christian Church. Church members gave their approval to purchase the house next door to the church from the Feathers’ estate. The “Sunday School House” and the land was purchased for $85,000.00. The loan was paid off in less than 2 years through the wonderful donations from the congregation and many others. “How Great Is Our God!!”
In 2005, another God-given gift was the purchase of the vacant lot adjoining the church. Patsy Steedman allowed the church to purchase the land for $40,000.00.
Again, with God’s abounding love, the loan was paid in full in less than 2 years.
In 2012, the home adjoining the church, owned by Patsy Steedman, was purchased for $85,000.00. The house was used as a clothing pantry and a food pantry. It was opened to anyone in need. In 2016, when the house was in need of much repair, it was decided to have the Baltimore County Fire Department burn the house down as a training exercise. The property is now a parking lot and an area for church activities.
Starting 2016 the church and Sunday School house began renovations. Both buildings were painted inside and outside, new roofs, new heat pump, a chair lift installed at the church, flooring in the Sunday School house, and the parking lots repaved. All wonderful blessings from God, everything was paid in full upon completion.
Starting 2016 the church and Sunday School house began renovations. Both buildings were painted inside and outside, new roofs, new heat pump, a chair lift installed at the church, flooring in the Sunday School house, and the parking lots repaved. All wonderful blessings from God, everything was paid in full upon completion.
Present
The year 2020 was a challenging year. Covid 19 placed many restrictions on the church. With congregants not allowed or not able to attend church, the attendance dropped to about 30%. Rose Warner suggested that the church service be shown on facebook. It definitely was a learning process, especially for Eric Warner who now runs the system. With an updated sound system, new computers and video system the streaming is great. Penwood Christian Church services are now seen on our new website at PenwoodChristianChurch.com. Just click on either icon for Facebook or Youtube and enjoy the service.
God has truly blessed Penwood Christian Church for the past 90 years. We have been able to keep His Church Building safe and beautiful for all to enter. His presence is felt here every day.
Our prayer Lord; May we continue to serve you in all that we do. Bringing the lost to you, serving those in need, letting our light shine for all to see you through us.
WE LOVE YOU LORD
Special prayers and thanksgiving are offered to the founders of Penwood, the pastors who served, and to our many faithful members. A special tribute to Miss Gertrude Fryer, historian of Penwood Christian Church; most of the information was taken from her detailed writings on the history of “The Little White Church at Penwood”.