The Woodchurch ferry docking at the Woodside Terminal, Birkenhead.

The Birkenhead Corporation placed an order with Philip & Son Limited, Dartmouth, Devon to build two new ferries in November 1957. Names after two local areas the ship were christened Mountwood and Woodchurch. The Woodchurch was launch on 29th October 1959 on the river Dart. The ferry was 152 ft long and a beam of 40 ft. It's gross tonnage was 464 provided space on three decks for 1200 passengers. On the upper deck was a forward shelter in which to sit, immediately beneath the bridge, as well as saloon accommodation both fore and aft.

These two vessels were the first diesel powered ships in the Birkenhead Fleet with two Crossley Bros. Ltd of Manchester 8 cylinder engines, developing almost 1,400 bhp.

In May 1961, the new Mountwood suffered a main engine failure with a full load of passengers aboard crossing the river. The Woodchurch came along side to take the passengers to safety.

In early 1981, as an economic measure the Woodchurch was taken out of service and was laid up in Morpeth dock for nearly three years. During this time the ship was cannibalised to help keep the other two ferries (Mountwood and Overchurch) running. During the three year the ship was available for sale, but none materialised.  In late 1983, the desicion was made to bring the Woodchurch back into service to establish the 20 minute frequency of the ferries on the Mersey.

In 1987 the Woodchurch suffered a fire which put the lower deck buffet and shop out of action for a while. They were resited one deck higher until the damage could be repaired.

In 1989 the Wood church was taken out of service for main engine repairs and refurbishment. During the next six months the ferry was transformed in what amounted to a major rebuild.  The Woodchurch was the first of the rebuilt ferries to return to service in July 1990.  The rebuild resulted in the extended working life of the vessel for many years.

During 1990 a new triangular service was introduced that involved sailing downstream from the Pier Head, Liverpool to Seacombe and then onto Woodside.