Memorial Drive United Methodist Church

Memorial Drive United Church has been a vibrant and active community of faith for almost 50 years. On July 13, 1958, led by Rev. D. Lawrence Landrum, Jr., forty-four people gathered for worship at the former Chapman's Corner Restaurant on Old Katy Road. The church was officially chartered on September 14, 1958. Under the leadership of Rev. Landrum, the church continued to grow and on Christmas Eve 1961 the church's 400 members met for the first worship service in their new sanctuary on Memorial Drive. Strong leadership and gifted preachers have always been the hallmark of the ministers at Memorial Drive. Rev. Charles Williams and Rev. Asbury Lenox followed Rev. Landrum as senior ministers. Then, in 1972, Dr. Eugene Cragg became senior minister of this thriving congregation. Under his strong leadership the church expanded in all ways: buildings, membership, program, staff and buildings all flourished. The present sanctuary, with its beautiful stained glass windows, was built during this time and dedicated for worship on February 8, 1977. When Dr. Cragg retired in 1998, Dr. Charles B. Simmons, with his inspiring sermons, enthusiasm and vision, became senior minister. Under his leadership the church continues to grow and reach out in service and love to the community and the world. Due to the physical growth of the church, space became an issue on the main campus. Thus, in 2001 the Rummel Creek Shopping Center was purchased and today this complex, now known as the Connection Center, houses our Senior Adult Activity Center and The Refuge, a welcoming center for the youth of this community to gather. Plans are underway for continued expansion of this center as we continue to discern who God is calling us to be as the church. Today, as in the past, Memorial Drive UMC is a congregation of loving and committed people who faithfully live out Christ's commandment to love God and love neighbor. We invite you to become a part of this congregation as together we: praise God, transform lives and serve others.