History of Morris Memorial

In 1908 thirteen pioneers dedicated themselves to building a home for the Methodist community in Kanawha City,  They faced no residential opposition, statistics were their stumbling blocks.  The only connection to Charleston was by river ferry.  They faced only negative odds.  They placed their faith in God and set forth to grow.  And grow they did

Using a $100 donation from Governor MacCorkle they bought the property at what is now  3510 MacCorkle Avenue.  The children raised money to buy bricks by begging for pennies.  The women formed the Ladies Aid Society and became the financial backbone by holding lawn socials and catering functions at the Kanawha City ballpark and the state house.  Finally the building was complete and was dedicated in 1913 by the Council of Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Our growth continued and in 1952 the Coca Cola Company sold one half of the 4600 block of MacCorke Avenue to our church and the dream of a ministry that would affect the lives of people throughout the Charleston community was born.   After many fund raising campaigns ground was broken in October of 1956.  The new building was added to our physical plant that furthered the original vision of an adequate facility to meet the needs of people.  

In 1956 the church had a place to worship, a Bible school and in that year the church began a Pre-school ministry that has been one of  the enduring outreaches to our community.  In it's infancy the school catered to special needs children and was one of only a few in Charleston.  For over 50 years Morris has continued to provide quality pre-school and child care to persons in our area.   In 1996  the facility vision continued with the addition of a beautiful, new modern technology sanctuary that enabled us to double the seating capacity and provide for continued growth in the church.   In 2008 we celebrated 100 years of  ministry.

Dedicated clergy and laity have served Morris Memorial over the years.  Morris has had and continues to share in pastoral ministry and projects.    Morris Enrichment Center our Pre-school and day care ministry reaches out to a diverse group of families in Kanawha City and beyond.  Our yearly Vacation Bible School is known throughout the area for its use of our facility's multi-media capacities and our congregation's great artistic talents to share an experience of the gospel that is nothing short of fun!

Today we  look forward, as the visionaries seeking to fulfill the missions of the church to "be a community of believers who strive to live out the teachings of the Bible as followers of Jesus  Christ in today's world."  With more than 100 years of ministry  we  intend to carry forward our vision through genuine welcome of all, regardless of race or background.  We are a body of persons who love to be in fellowship with each other and to nurture one another in our walk with God.  We  actively seek to tell the story of Christ's forgiveness and grace to all, not only in Kanawha City, but to all people who want to know this peace.