A History of the United Methodist Church Can Be Read Here!

The History of Maples:

1840:

• Alan Dupree donated the lot located at what was then the corner of Pigeon Roost and Sandidge Road for the first Methodist Church in Olive Branch.
• Rev. Sam Watson, an early settler of Olive Branch, was appointed as the first minister of the First Methodist Church in Olive Branch

1890:

• A new lot on Pigeon Roost next to the Baptist Church was purchased for the growing congregation.

1895:

• A white frame church marked by a tall steeple and bell tower was completed which became the home for the First Methodist Church in Olive Branch.

1928:

• The old frame structure was replaced with a new brick structure which remains to this day.
• The name was changed to Maples Memorial Methodist Church in memory of Dr. C.L. Maples.

1968:

• The United Methodist Church came into being, and Maples joined to become Maples Memorial United Methodist Church.

1980:

• Land was purchased on Goodman Road to accommodate the continued growth. This location is Maples current location.

1981:

• A free standing bell tower was erected to house the long-lost bell from the 1895 building.

1990:

• Maples Memorial celebrated 150 years of ministry in the Olive Branch area.

August 22, 1993:

• Ground was broken on the Goodman Road property for a temporary worship center and educational space.

December 11, 1994:

• The new facility on Goodman Road was consecrated on December 11.

1999:

• The new sanctuary was completed and that wing of the building opened. A metal cross was placed within the concrete foundation of the sanctuary, so that Jesus would always be the church's foundation.
• With the increased space, Maples began to provide a home for many community organizations like, Boy Scouts, Al Anon, and T.O.P.S, and the YMCA.
• Maples installed the windows you see dotted around the sanctuary, which you can read more about here!

2013:

• Membership increased from 596 in 1994 to 1,278 in 2013

2015:

• Maples Memorial celebrated 175 years of ministry and was honored to welcome Bishop James Swanson to lead the service.

2020:

• Maples Church temporarily suspended in-person worship due to the Covid-19 pandemic from March 2020 to June 2020.
• When worship resumed, Maples added a new Sunday Morning service: The Connection.

2023:

• Maples voted against disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church, and remained Maples Memorial United Methodist Church.
• Pastor Kerry Powell, our current lead pastor, began his service on July 2nd, 2023.