WOODS MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH -
MEADOWBROOK UNITED CHURCH
"FRIENDS FOREVER"

History has shown that every relationship, human or institutional, has had an unusual beginning. It was in 1986 when the Rev. Raymond Coke was the Moderator of the United Church that he was invited to attend the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C.

On receiving the invitation, he explored the possibility of visiting with the Presbytery of Baltimore. At that time, there was a move afoot to establish a partnership between the Presbytery of Baltimore and the South Middlesex Council of the United Church. Rev. Coke contacted Mrs. Betty McGuinis who was a driving force behind this proposed partnership. She was kind enough to make all the arrangements for a week's visit. She and her husband, John, were the gracious hosts for the Rev. Raymond & Mrs. Ruth Coke. It was at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church that Rev. Coke was invited to preach.

The Cokes were well received by Rev. Dr. Terry & Mrs. Brenda Schoener and the church family. Immediately following, Rev. Dr. Schoener and Rev. Coke decided that they would nurture a relationship between both churches. It started with 'a bang' when in May 1987 both Rev. Dr. Shoener and Rev. Coke exchanged pulpits and ministry for three weeks. It was a great and enriching learning experience for both congregations and Pastors alike.

Through exchange of Elders, members, young people, work teams, choral and dramatic groups as well as involvement in the Dental Programme, Pringle Home, Catering School and Educational institutions, both congregations have grown stronger.

It has been twenty one years of mutual mission in the service of others. Indeed, Woods Memorial Presbyterian and Meadowbrook are "friends forever".

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