Church Move Brings New Life to Downtown

Leaders of the Church at Morley and Masonic Lodge #184 A.F. and A.M. cut the ribbon signifying the change in ownership and marking the official grand opening of the new church. From left: Morley Freemasons Lloyd Michelsen, Dennis Albee and Buster Bollinger with church elders John Clark of Scott City, Melvin Propst of Bloomfield, and Doug Sikes of Morley, along with guests David Coleman, pastor, and Merrill Coleman, minister of music, both of Kennett.

On Saturday, February 23, more than 100 people attended the official grand opening of the new Church at Morley. Part of Mayor Jonathan McNeely's city-wide Restoration and Revitalization Program, the church's new home is the former Masonic Lodge #184 A.F. and A.M., located at 112 N. Kirkwood.

The initiative, adopted by the city council in July, has the goal of totally restoring and revitalizing the town with the assistance of community partners and without an additional financial burden on the city. The church's move into the Mason's building is one of the first, and the most visible, projects since the program began. The Masons sold the building to the church when the Morley Lodge merged with another in Bell City. The Lodge, chartered in 1899, moved to the current building in 1963, where it remained until October 2012.

Freemasons Lloyd Michelsen, Dennis Albee and Buster Bollinger joined church elders in cutting the ribbon, signifying the change in ownership and officially welcoming the congregation into its new home. Church elder Melvin Propst stated, "We hope this building will help us in our effort to better serve the spiritual needs of this community. God has some wonderful folks in Morley."

The Church at Morley is a non-denominational church that emphasizes a full-gospel message, congregational participation, enthusiastic music and worship, and a strong reliance on the Bible as its authority and guide. It has no official membership nor is it a part of any religious organization. The new facility is open to the public with weekly worship services at 10 am on Sundays and 7 pm on Wednesdays.