Our History
Presiding Prelate Bishop Tommie Woodard & Overseer Annie Bell Woodard
Matthew 16:18
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”.
In 1974, the Lord led Elder Tommie Woodard to relinquish his role as Assistant Pastor of True Light Church of Jesus Christ in Miami, Florida under the leadership of Pastor Pauline Jones to establish a church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Elder Woodard, his companion and approximately six families founded True Light Church of Jesus Christ #2, which later joined many members of his family. During this time, a permanent structure was not determined to host services, which became a constant challenge to maintain worship services. However, Elder Woodard was always determined to secure a place of worship for members. Initially, services were held in the home of Elder Woodard’s mother, Mrs. Althea Woodard located in Conway, South Carolina. A year later, Elder Woodard was faced with the same challenge of locating another worship space. The Lord directed the heart of Pastor McLeod to share her facility in Conway, South Carolina as well.
Over the ensuing years, the young church worshipped at various locations throughout the Conway, Loris and Cedar Branch communities. Worship services were held in sites such as: Elder and Mother Woodard’s home, a local school, outdoors under an oak tree and a carport. The desire for a permanent location for a permanent church was in constant prayer of Elder Woodard. He knew with dedication and diligence his request would lead to bountiful reward. In 1977, Elder Woodard was inspired by the Lord to rename the church to True Way Holiness Church of Jesus Christ. He continued the covenant relationship with True Light Church of Jesus Christ (Miami, Florida). Later an affiliation with Highway Christian Church of Christ of Fort Lauderdale, Florida was established under the leadership of Bishop Grissett. It was during that the Lord manifested the fulfillment of a permanent location for True Way Holiness Church. The spirit of the Lord spoke to Elder Woodard by stating, “The next time you move, it will be into your own place.” Within a few years, Elder Woodard was blessed to acquire land, through the facilitation of Brother Herbert Bellamy.
The future site of True Way Holiness Church consisted of two acres; purchased with a $500 down with an agreement to pass as the Lord led. In 1980, Mother Woodard was led to assist financially in beautifying this worship space with a new sanctuary. Elder Woodard and the saints of True Way worked faithfully, day and night to ensure this project materialized. Although the sanctuary was not complete, on June 28, 1981, Elder Woodard dedicated this space for worship service.
A few months later, the sanctuary was complete which led to more building; a fellowship hall and classrooms. were added. True Way’s membership continued to grow as people in the community learned of this God ordained ministry. God continued to manifest his favor on True Way Holiness Church of Jesus Christ. Elder Woodard says, “looking with the carnal eye will get you nothing, but with a spiritual eye would get you what you desire from the Lord!” In 2000, True Way Holiness Church of Jesus Christ was blessed to renovate the inside of the sanctuary. In 2001, the Lord continued to manifest and the church was blessed to purchase another 15 passenger van to transport members. It was also during this time the ministry began to expand, adding three other churches over the next few years.
In 2005, Elder Tommie Woodard was consecrated to Bishop and passed the pastoring mantle to Assistant Pastor Annie Bell Woodard. Bishop Woodard currently has a total of three churches, two in South Carolina and one in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bishop Woodard is currently serving as the Senior Pastor of the Fort Lauderdale church. Also reflective of God’s favor, the church was able to liquidate all debt in 2012. Today, True Way Holiness Church of Jesus Christ is a church still growing strong, spiritually and physically for the Lord. This church is committed to sharing to all listening ears to repent, become baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.