Pastor Leslie Durrant was born in Hopewell Junction, New York. She comes from a long line of Reformed Church pastors and grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey. She earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy from The Ohio State University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Florida. She and her late husband, Dr. Mark Durrant, raised triplet daughters, and she retired in 2023 after a 42‑year career as a Hospital Clinical Pharmacist with the Columbia VA Hospital.
She has been an active church member throughout her life, serving in the Reformed Church in America, the United Methodist Church, and the United Church of Christ. Her roles have included organist, choir member, Lay Servant, Lay Leader, Certified Lay Speaker, and pulpit supply preacher. After moving to Missouri in 2003, she continued to serve in multiple leadership capacities and eventually answered a call to ministry, receiving her pastoral license in 2022. She has served as pastor of New Bloomfield UMC for the past three years and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry through St. Paul School of Theology.
The roots of Woodlandville Church reach back to 1836, when land was purchased for a square log structure known as the Bethlehem Meeting House. This early gathering place served as a shared worship space for Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians, with each denomination alternating Sunday services.
In time, the Methodist congregation established its own church in the nearby town of Everett, then a thriving community with a general store, blacksmith shop, and post office. Although Everett no longer exists, the remains of its one‑room schoolhouse and historic cemetery are still visible from Wilhite Road.
After 41 years in Everett, the congregation chose to relocate to Woodlandville, a larger and more active community with improved roads and essential businesses. On May 11, 1901, land was purchased for the church’s present location, and the new building was dedicated in 1902.
While Woodlandville no longer supports local businesses, the church has remained a steadfast presence for more than a century. It has served as a center of worship, fellowship, and community life, hosting countless gatherings and supporting generations of families.
On October 14, 2001, Woodlandville Church celebrated its 100th anniversary, welcoming friends and former members from near and far for a day of worship and remembrance. That milestone honored our rich heritage and renewed our commitment to the future.
Today, we continue to welcome all who come through our doors— a small country church with a strong and enduring community of faith.