The original Woods home was built in 1824 by Rev. James Sterett Woods, who served as pastor of the Lewistown Presbyterian Church from 1823 until his death in 1862. Rev. Dr. Woods was a minister-farmer of Dickenson College and of Princeton Theological Seminary.

Woodlawn, as the Woods home is now called, served as the Presbyterian Church Manse during Dr. Woods pastorate. The original complex of buildings included a barn, chicken coop, and two sheds, all of which were built upon a six acre, one-rod parcel of land purchased by Dr. Woods from Henry Culp on June 1, 1821. The dwelling house contained a kitchen and parlor on the first floor and bedrooms on the second floor. Additional land purchased in 1837 and 1839 completed the total acreage of Woodlawn.

Additions to the main dwelling house and the construction of a porch were completed in approximately 1860. A frame wing was added in the late 1880's and was subsequently razed and replaced by the present wing in 1905. The present garage and apartment where added in 1938.

Dr. Woods and his wife, Marianne Witherspoon Woods, daughter of Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, the only clergyman-signer of the Declaration of Independence, reared a family of eight children. One of their sons was killed in a battle of the Mexican War, three entered the practice of law, and the youngest followed his father into the Presbyterian ministry. Dr. and Mrs. Woods played significant, leading roles in helping to mold the religious, civic and political life of the Lewistown community. Mrs. Woods died in 1846.

After Dr. Woods’ death in 1862, Woodlawn became the residence of son, Samuel Stanhope Woods, then a judge. With his residency, Woodlawn no longer served as the Presbyterian Manse. The Woods home, however, remained a part of the Woods family and was occupied by various members, the last family resident being Mrs. T.C. Mathews.