About Winnwood

Winnwood's Rich History

Winnwood Baptist Church was formed on May 3, 1925. A contingent of Baptists from Second Baptist Church of Liberty, Missouri, saw the need for a church in the Winnwood Beach and lake area northeast of Kansas City, Missouri.

Winnwood Beach was the entrepreneurial dream of an area hog farmer, Frank Winn, who envisioned a water playground and constructed such on three small lakes comprising 150 acres. Winnwood Beach provided swimming, a boardwalk, a three-story bath house, water wheels and slides, two roller coasters, a fun house, a petting zoo, monkey island, and an over-the-water dance pavilion. The interurban electric train system from Kansas City to Liberty passed by Winnwood Beach and provided a direct link for thousands to enjoy the water recreation area. Numerous people began to purchase lots and construct weekend cottages in what is now the Winnwood-Sunnybrooke Community.

Winnwood Baptist Church has enjoyed a fruitful seventy-four years of ministry. Three pastors have provided leadership during the past 57 years: T.J. Smith pastored from 1942 until his death in 1964. Harland K. Ginn came to pastor in 1965 and served until his retirement in 1991. Douglas Crabb came to pastor in 1992 and attended to the needs of Winnwood for nine years. Lengthy pastorates have provided a sense of stability for the congregation that has brought with it many benefits.

Winnwood experienced continued progress while in a pastoral search from 2001 to 2002. Former Winnwood pastor Harland K. Ginn was called once again to serve, but this time as the interim minister. After approximately one year of searching, Winnwood warmly welcomed Reverend Tony Colburn and his family on September 15, 2002.