ADDRESS :
9619 W. Lisbon Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53222
Phone:
(414) 885-1916
OUR HISTORY
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It was the year of 1942 that Bishop Morris was inspired to establish a church in Milwaukee. He and Mother Morris established Milwaukee Temple at 1035 West Walnut Street on May 17, 1942 along with Mother Wheeler. Bishop Morris appointed Elder Henry Terrell as his Assistant Pastor. Shortly thereafter Mother Lena Hunter became their first member. In the year of 1945, Bishop Morris formed the first radio choir in Milwaukee of the Churches of God in Christ, over station WEMP. Bishop Morris’ theme was “Have Faith in God, For He Can Do What None Other Can Do”. Many people were healed through the radio ministry by placing their hand on the affliction during the prayer. This led many people to Christ and the membership increased. Among the early membership was our present pastor, Elder Garnett Herron and his family. Brother Herron was appointed deacon in the year 1943. As the church rapidly increased Bishop Morris was forced to acquire another building at 537 West Vine Street. It was in the Spring of 1945 that the congregation marched from Tenth and Walnut streets to Sixth and Vine. The membership continued to grow. Our late Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, who made frequent visits to Milwaukee Temple, was inspirational in encouraging Bishop Morris to acquire a larger edifice.
With this encouragement and the blessing of Dad Mason, Bishop Morris purchased two lots on Seventh Street. After purchasing the lots, the ground breaking took place in 1949. Among those present were many city officials and businessmen. Morris Temple was the first black church built in the city of Milwaukee. Our worship services were held in the lower level for two years due to financial difficulties. Mother Morris was led by the Lord to launch a six-week prayer service. During this time Mother Morris put an ad in the newspaper which was worded by the Lord; “Church Needs Money”. Only one man responded who said the ad caught his attention and touched his heart. He loaned Morris Temple $25,000 for the completion of the Edifice.
In the Spring of 1952 we held our first services in our main auditorium. Morris Temple became the state headquarters of the Churches of God in Christ in Southeast Wisconsin for over 25 years. Deacon Herron accepted the call to the ministry in 1954, and was appointed second assistant pastor in 1956. Elder Ward Chaney was first assistant. Elder Chaney resigned to become an evangelist, and Elder Herron became First Assistant pastor.
Bishop Morris’ health began to fail in 1959. We continued services at this location until the City of Milwaukee acquired the land. We then had to seek a new location which led us to our present church. The ground breaking was in October, 1970 by our late pastor Bishop Morris. He served faithfully as the Pastor of Morris Temple until his demise December 18, 1970. There was a resolution made that the church be named Morris Memorial in honor of Bishop Morris. Bishop Morris passed prior to the completion of the second church and his assistant Pastor; Elder Herron carried the mantel and was appointed as Pastor in July, 1971.
Elder Garnett Herron who had joined the church in the early 40's served as deacon, driver, and janitor picked up the mantel and completed Bishop's vision. Elder Green Jackson and Elder John Barton were appointed as Assistant Pastors and worked faithfully alongside Pastor Herron. The membership remained on Locust Street for over 20 years. The congregation was forced to move after the Lord miraculously spared them from destruction due to a gas leak by a neighboring service station. In the early 90's Elder Herron led the congregation to a beautiful sanctuary with unlimited space for worship and training at the current location 9619 West Lisbon Avenue. This was the Lord’s doing and it was marvelous in our eyes, Psalm 118:23. Sadly, the Lord called a great pioneer home. Elder Herron lived a well life and made a huge impact in the body of Christ.
April 2006, Elder Micaiah J. Young Sr. was appointed pastor of Morris Memorial COGIC. Over the years, Morris' congregation had increased and out grew West Lisbon Street. Soon after, Morris Memorial adopted a new name, Morris Cathedral Life Center Church of God in Christ. It was made to both pay homage to the Founder, Bishop Walter Lewis Morris, and to highlight the mission of the church. The blessing of the Lord was evident because due to the increase of the membership, Morris Cathedral moved to a new & bigger location 2207 West Center Street.
After serving almost 10 years, Elder Young resigned as pastor of Morris Cathedral. Yet the Lord continued to keep and bless us. We relocated back to our beautiful sanctuary on West Lisbon Avenue. In June 2015, our Jurisdictional leader, Bishop Sedgwick Daniels, Senior Pastor of Holy Redeemer, was appointed pastor. After much prayer, the name of the church was changed to "Morris Cathedral Church of God in Christ" to commemorate our new, faith-filled journey. In June 2018, Elder L. Michael Blevins was appointed Pastor and is presently serving.
Morris Cathedral is an unapologetic, hand clapping, foot stomping ministry. We honor the basic COGIC training and continually enhance worship through the direction of the Holy Ghost. The pastor and congregation contend for the faith that was delivered to the early church. Yes, WE HAVE come this far by faith and we shall have faith in God, for there is nothing too hard for God!