In July of 1955, the first prayer meetings were held in the home of Mrs. Geneva Arnold. The Rev. Charles Heckman and family joined the small group and services were soon moved to the Glen Burnie Community Hall. By 1957, there were enough members to be incorporated and recognized as an official chuch. The original name was The Pilgrim Holiness Church of Glen Burnie, Maryland and had eleven charter members.
In 1959, Rev. Atwood Berry became the first full-time pastor. Under his ministry, a building lot was purchased from Mrs. Amelia Fritts. This is the present site of the church and parsonage. The ground breaking service was held in March 1961, under the third pastor Rev. Braden I. Shrieves. Twelve district pastors, the church board, and 75 people attended. Mr. Hugh Ammons secured a Christian builder, Mr. Rudy York, who labored quickly and thoroughly at no profit to himself. The church was completed in August 1961, and dedicated on August 20, 1961. Rev. Mark Bowman presided and 250 people attended. Late in 1963, construction began on the present parsonage. It was completed in 1964.
In 1968, the church agreed to merge with the Wesleyan churches in the Delmarva District. The name was changed to The Oakwood Wesleyan Church of Glen Burnie.
In 1977, the church held a mortgage burning and homecoming which was attended by many former pastors and friends.
In 1996, a new lighted church sign, front foyer and upstairs bathroom were installed.
In 2005, contemporary worship was introduced and changes began to be implemented that allowed for a more modern worship experience. Pews were replaced by movable chairs in 2007 which allows the building to be more multi-functional. In the spring of 2008, a wheelchair ramp was installed allowing for wheelchair accessibility into the church building.
The following is a list of former pastors and the years they served at Oakwood Wesleyan Church:
