A HISTORY IN STONE

 

Early Methodists

Morton Memorial has a lengthy history on Monteagle Mountain. Throughout the early 1800’s, Methodists were spreading throughout the Southeast from the Carolinas westward through Tennessee. The earliest record available of Morton Memorial Church, in 1880, shows the church to be on a charge with Summerfield, Pelham and Layne’s Cove. Apparently these churches were the first Methodist churches in the area. 

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Morton's Beginnings

Land deeds show the property where the current sanctuary stands was purchased in two lots. The first was purchased in 1895 from Methodists Robert and Elizabeth Riddle for $100. In 1896, the second lot was purchased, also from the Riddles, for $140, around $5,300 today. Will Richmond, Sr., also a staunch Methodist from Sequatchie Valley, worked on the construction. The Methodist church was originally to be built using wood.  However, ladies of the church wanted the church made of stone, presumably to match buildings being built at the University of the South down the road in Sewanee. A new plan was created, and construction of the stone church was started in 1897. It was on the last Sunday in August 1904 when Methodist Bishop Hoss dedicated Morton Memorial Methodist Church in memory of David Morton, who was the first Secretary of the Church Extension Board of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. 

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Expansions 

As the church's presence in the community grew, the need for more space became evident.  In 1947 a two-story structure was built behind the sanctuary and was dedicated September 11, 1955. Included in that building is a gymnasium, that in years past, was used by the community for local school and youth organization games. The first floor was built with several Sunday school classes and the pastor office. The building has been remodeled several times and now includes the choir room, child care room, children and adult Sunday school rooms, along with a multi-purpose room currently being used as a place for crafters to make creations that are given to local ministries and non-profit organizations.

 

In 2018, Morton Memorial consecrated a 3300 square-foot addition, the Fellowship Center. Donations collected paid 80% of the over $1 million cost of the build before ground was broken. The remaining debt was paid in less than three years after the building was completed. Stone from the same source of the stone in original building was used in the addition. A commercial kitchen is included in the building along with a walk-in refrigerator and freezer.  The increased storage provides space for food storage for the monthly food ministry that regularly serves over 200 families.  Church events along with local organizations use the space for meetings, meals and fellowship.