Alice Wood: Pioneering Pentecostal Missionary

Alice Wood was the first Pentecostal missionary to Argentina, a fearless Canadian orphan who served 50 years without furlough from 1910 to 1960. Born in the 19th century, she overcame early hardships including orphanage at age 16, health struggles like cancer, and missionary isolation to lay the foundation for Argentina’s massive Pentecostal revival decades later. This comprehensive guide explores her incredible life story, early challenges, missionary calling, groundbreaking work in South America, enduring legacy, and practical insights for studying her impact today. You’ll discover detailed timelines, personal anecdotes, spiritual breakthroughs, historical context of early Pentecostalism, and how her faith-driven decisions shaped modern missions. 

Early Life Challenges

Alice Wood faced profound loss early on, orphaned at 16 after both parents died, forcing her into a foster family in Canada. Raised in the Quaker tradition while attending Methodist and Holiness events, she developed a deep hunger for God by her teens, pastoring her first church in Beloit, Ohio, at age 25 after training in Cleveland. Her childhood boldness shone when, at 7, she heeded a dare to conquer a snake by stomping its head while her sister stoned it, symbolizing her lifelong approach to obstacles.

This formative period built resilience; living without family support honed her independence, setting the stage for global ministry. She sought spiritual revival amid Wales and Azusa Street news, praying for personal awakening that would redefine her path.

Spiritual Awakening

Wood’s Pentecostal baptism came at an Ohio camp meeting, marked by speaking in tongues and a divine recommissioning to South America. This 1909-1910 experience severed ties with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, who rejected her new doctrine, yet fueled her unshakeable resolve. Previously weakened by overwork in Venezuela and Puerto Rico since 1898, she claimed healing from cancer and nervousness through faith alone, declaring Christ her life.

Her awakening mirrored global revivals, transforming personal prayer into prophetic action. No longer relying on human agencies, she launched independently, embodying raw Pentecostal fire.

Baptism Impact

The tongues experience propelled her forward, overriding health fears and denominational barriers. Friends urged caution, but Wood sailed in 1910, trusting supernatural provision. This moment marked Pentecostalism’s export to unreached fields.

First Missions Ventures

Before Argentina, Wood served with Christian and Missionary Alliance in Venezuela from 1898 and Puerto Rico in 1902, preaching Christ where few ventured. Overwork led to breakdown, prompting U.S. return, but her heart stayed Latin-focused. These stints taught cultural adaptation amid tropical hardships, refining her evangelism.

She longed for “where Christ had never been preached,” resigning stable pastoring for frontier risks. Practical skills like language learning emerged here, vital for later isolation.

Arrival in Argentina

In 1910, at age 44, single and unsupported, Wood docked in Argentina as Pentecostalism’s pioneer there, settling in Gualeguaychú near Buenos Aires. No agency backed her; she trusted God daily for food and shelter in a pre-automobile era. Foundation work dominated early years—street preaching, house meetings amid Catholic dominance.

Gualeguaychú’s rural vibe suited her; she rented modest quarters, bartering sewing skills for sustenance. By 1912, she prophesied “latter rain” outpouring, seeding decades-later revivals.

Initial Years Struggles

Hostile locals mocked the “tongue-speaking foreigner”; health flares tested faith, but healings sustained her. She wrote letters home detailing divine interventions, like meals appearing unannounced. Isolation amplified reliance on prayer.

Assemblies of God Role

On November 2, 1914, Wood joined the nascent Assemblies of God roster, lending veteran credibility despite never attending councils or furloughing. Her 16 years’ experience stabilized the fellowship amid charisma debates. She skipped U.S. visits, viewing Argentina as a lifetime call.

This affiliation brought minor aid without strings, preserving autonomy. Her story inspired donors, proving singles could pioneer effectively.

Daily Missionary Life

Wood’s routine blended evangelism, discipleship, and survival in Entre Ríos province. Mornings meant Bible studies in homes; afternoons, market witnessing; evenings, prayer vigils. She mastered Spanish quickly, translating hymns on the fly.

No electricity or plumbing challenged her; she fetched river water, cooked over wood fires. Relationships with converts formed her “family,” sharing testimonies late into nights.

Alice Wood Case Summary

The Alice Wood case centered on the violent death of 24-year-old Ryan Watson outside the couple’s home in Rode Heath. Prosecutors successfully argued that Wood intentionally used her car to strike Watson after losing her temper during a drunken argument.

Following a three-week trial at Chester Crown Court, a jury rejected Wood’s claim that the death was a “tragic accident.” Evidence showed that Wood was nearly twice the legal drink-drive limit at the time of the incident, which occurred late on a Friday night.

The Night of the Incident

On the evening of May 6, 2022, Alice Wood and Ryan Watson attended a birthday celebration for a colleague at the brain injury charity Headway. Witnesses at the event described Watson as outgoing and friendly, while Wood was reportedly seen acting “cold” and “jealous.”

The tension escalated when the couple returned home to Oak Street around 11:30 PM. Wood claimed that Watson had accused her of flirting, leading to a physical confrontation inside their home before the situation spilled out into the street.

Use of the Vehicle

CCTV footage played during the trial showed Wood getting into her Ford Fiesta and performing a series of aggressive maneuvers. She initially reversed into Watson’s car and a nearby bollard before driving directly at her fiancé.

Wood struck Watson twice; the first impact threw him onto the bonnet, while the second pulled him under the chassis. Despite the mechanical resistance, Wood continued to drive for approximately 158 meters while Watson remained trapped beneath the car.

Trial and Legal Defense

During the trial at Chester Crown Court, Alice Wood maintained that she did not realize Watson was under the vehicle. She testified that she only intended to “scare” him after he allegedly threatened her earlier that evening.

The prosecution countered this by highlighting Wood’s immediate reaction upon being arrested, where she told officers, “I deserve it.” Forensic evidence regarding the distance traveled and the nature of the car’s movements was pivotal in securing the murder conviction.

Sentencing and Life Imprisonment

On February 2, 2024, Judge Michael Leeming sentenced Alice Wood to life imprisonment. The judge noted that the use of a car as a weapon constituted a “senseless” act of violence fueled by “drunken jealousy.”

Wood must serve a minimum of 18 years in prison, meaning she will not be eligible for parole until at least 2042. The judge emphasized that a life sentence means she may never be released if the parole board deems her a continued risk to the public.

Academic and Personal Background

At the time of the murder, Alice Wood was a final-year student studying theology, philosophy, and ethics. She was considered a high achiever and had already secured a scholarship for a Master’s degree at the University of Cambridge.

Despite her conviction, Wood was awarded her undergraduate degree based on the work she had completed prior to the incident. Her academic background led to significant media discussion regarding the contrast between her studies in ethics and her criminal actions.

Impact on the Victim’s Family

The family of Ryan Watson described him as a “gregarious” and “well-loved” young man who dedicated his life to supporting others through his work at Headway. In a victim impact statement, they expressed the “unbearable pain” of watching CCTV footage of his final moments.

The family stated that while they welcomed the life sentence, no amount of time in prison would compensate for the loss of Ryan. They highlighted the betrayal of trust, as Watson had been in a relationship with Wood since 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Alice Wood? 

Alice Wood is a former university student from Cheshire convicted of murdering her fiancé, Ryan Watson, in 2022. She was 23 at the time of the offense and was studying theology and philosophy.

What was Alice Wood’s sentence? 

She was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years. This means she cannot apply for parole until she has served at least 18 years in prison.

How did Ryan Watson die? 

Ryan Watson died from crush injuries after being run over and dragged 158 meters under a Ford Fiesta driven by Alice Wood. The incident followed an argument after a charity party.

Was Alice Wood under the influence? 

Yes, Alice Wood failed a roadside breathalyzer test at the scene. She was recorded as having 61 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath, nearly double the legal limit of 35.

What was the motive for the murder? 

The prosecution argued that the motive was “drunken jealousy.” Wood reportedly lost her temper after believing Watson had been flirting with another woman at a party earlier that evening.

Where did the Alice Wood trial take place? 

The trial took place at Chester Crown Court in the United Kingdom. It lasted for three weeks and concluded in January 2024.

Did Alice Wood go to Cambridge? 

Wood had been accepted into a Master’s program at the University of Cambridge on a scholarship. However, she was arrested and convicted before she could begin her postgraduate studies.

What car was Alice Wood driving? 

Wood was driving her silver Ford Fiesta during the incident. Evidence showed she used the vehicle to strike Watson multiple times.

What did Alice Wood say when she was arrested? 

Upon her arrest, Wood told police officers, “It’s fine, I deserve it” and “Please just shoot me in the head.” These statements were used as evidence during her trial.

Is there a documentary about the Alice Wood case? 

As of late 2025, reports indicated that a documentary series was in production to cover the case, featuring interviews with investigators and family members.

Can Alice Wood ever be released? 

While she has a minimum term of 18 years, release is not guaranteed. The parole board must determine she is no longer a threat to society before she can be released on a life license.

Final Thoughts

The conviction of Alice Wood remains one of the most high-profile cases of domestic homicide involving a vehicle in recent UK history. The case serves as a harrowing reminder of how quickly a domestic dispute, fueled by alcohol and jealousy, can escalate into a fatal act of violence. While Wood’s academic future in theology and ethics suggested a life dedicated to high-level contemplation, her actions on the night of May 6, 2022, revealed a devastating capacity for lethal aggression.

The 18-year minimum sentence ensures that Alice Wood will remain behind bars until at least 2040, providing a measure of justice for the family of Ryan Watson. As the community of Rode Heath continues to heal, the legal precedents set during the trial—particularly regarding the use of a car as a “deadly weapon” and the admissibility of immediate post-arrest admissions—continue to be cited in similar criminal proceedings. Ryan Watson’s memory lives on through the advocacy of his family and the charitable work he performed, while the case stands as a permanent cautionary tale regarding the intersection of domestic conflict and substance abuse.

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