Rev. George Woodward III, Former St. Edmund’s Rector, Killed in Automobile Collision

Rev. Canon George F. Woodward III, a respected priest known for his service at St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church in San Marino, and later as Rector of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, has died as a result of an automobile collision, according to a Monday, August 25 announcement on St. Edmund’s social media.

Woodward, known as Father George to his congregation, was widely admired for his pastoral leadership, commitment to human rights, and deep spiritual guidance throughout his career.

Life and Career

Woodward was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio University, then earned advanced degrees in theology and divinity from Ashland Theological Seminary and Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. Ordained in 1983, he began as Associate Rector at All Saints-by-the-Sea in Santa Barbara, later serving as a civilian chaplain at Incirlik Air Force Base in Turkey and at the British Embassy Chapel of St. Nicholas in Ankara. On returning to the U.S., he became rector of St. Timothy’s Church in Apple Valley and dean of the eastern deanery of the Diocese of Los Angeles.

Service in California and Mexico

In 1995, Woodward was appointed the seventh rector of St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church in San Marino, holding the post until 2018. He was recognized as a Canon of the Diocese of Los Angeles in 2011 and of the Diocese of El Salvador in 2014 for his international church service and advocacy work. In 2018, he began serving as Rector at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in San Miguel de Allende, continuing his dedication to ministry and multicultural outreach.

Accomplishments and Publications

Woodward served on the Board of Hillsides Home for Children in Pasadena, was Chair of the Diocesan Program Group on Global Partnership, and Vice President for Foundation Cristosal, a human rights organization in El Salvador. He co-authored “Introducing the Lessons of the Church Year” with Bishop Frederick H. Borsch and wrote “Prayers of the People” (St. Mark’s Press, 2016), as well as other works of poetry and short fiction.

Personal Legacy

Rev. Canon Woodward is remembered for his wisdom, compassion, and tireless advocacy for social justice. His ministry touched many lives in California, Mexico, and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy in the parishes and communities he served.