From the Archives

Saint Peter in Woodward long has been a hub for ministry in northwestern Oklahoma at one point serving four missions (now three). Missionary activity predates the arrival of the Benedictines by at least three years as a Jesuit priest, Father Paul Ponziglione, visited nearby Camp (later Fort) Supply in 1872.
 
As the population grew, Bishop Meershaert appointed Father Peter Kamp in Alva as first pastor of Woodward with the name of Saint Peter as the patron for the new church in January 1905. 
 
Father Kamp began to construct the church and rectory. The structures served the town well until the events of April 9, 1947, would change Woodward and weather reporting forever. On the fateful day with what would now be classified as an EF5 tornado, the church and rectory (pictured in 1917) were completely destroyed. More than 1,000 homes and businesses were demolished with 107 fatalities in and around the town and at least 1,000 injuries. 
 
Historian Father James White stated, “The Woodward tornado was one of the chief reasons for the National Weather Center establishing a tornado watch and warning program in 1953.”

The damage was so extensive that the resilient souls of Woodward were unable to build a new church until 1960 shortly after adding a parish hall and education building. In the interim, a World War II Quonset hut was used for Mass until funding was procured.
 
The strength and courage of this Oklahoma community continues as the parish thrives and serves an expanding Hispanic population with energy and unshakeable faith.