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Morton United Methodist Church to Leave the Denomination, Purchase the Property

The Board of Trustees of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church reached a financial and property settlement with the Morton United Methodist Church, Morton, Illinois, which if ratified by the Annual Conference in December 2023 will allow the Morton United Methodist Church to disaffiliate from the United Methodist denomination.  The Morton United Methodist Church was originally organized in 1842 and is located in Tazewell County in the Conference’s North District.  The United Methodist members worshiping there have organized a new congregation known as Morton Methodist Church.

Under the terms of the settlement, the Illinois Great Rivers Conference will relinquish its interest in the real estate located at 420 North Tennessee Avenue and 500 North Minnesota Avenue, Morton, Illinois.

The Conference will receive an undisclosed payment that includes the church’s share of pension obligations for former United Methodist clergy who had previously served the church, as well as apportionment obligations as required by paragraph 2553 of The Book of Discipline.

Bishop Frank Beard said, “In an effort to honor Christ, we were able to sit down, discuss our differences, and recognize that we were on two different paths.  To conclude in the best interest of all, a peaceful separation was warranted.”  Bishop Beard serves as the episcopal leader of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The United Methodist Church.  “We were able to demonstrate effective Christian conferencing.  I believe we, even in separating, have honored Jesus Christ.”

Morton Methodist Church will remove all references to the United Methodist Church from its property, including the “Cross and Flame” logo.  The Conference will release the assets from the United Methodist Church Trust Clause.

How it all started...

Morton United Methodist Church was started in 1947 and has been growing ever since. Our first building was on Carol street, and we moved to Tennessee Avenue and built a new addition! In 2023, we disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church and became Morton Methodist Church. Through all the changes, the people of Morton  Methodist Church have remained steadfast in their faith, and grown in Christ, and been disciples to our community.


Expanding the vision...

Methodists practice a "method" of discipleship that invites the Holy Spirit to transform our lives. Methodism can be seen as the "CrossFit" of Christianity. At Morton Methodist Church, we are rededicating ourselves to Methodist practices of spiritual discipline in the hopes that we can lead a Christian renewal for our culture. These disciplines range from a dedicated focus on world-wide and community missions to individual spiritual growth. If you would like to be serious about changing your life and the lives around you, contact the pastors for more information.
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Where we are headed...

We seek nothing short of the kingdom of God. At Morton Methodist Church, we are directing our sights toward God's kingdom by inviting as many as we can to join us. We follow the last command Christ gave to his disciples: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." Come join us on life's great adventure.
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Be a part of our story...

Join us every Sunday as we gather to worship together a 8:30am and 10:45am.