Beech Tree News Network

Friday, November 4, was a time of celebration for the Morgantown Mission, an inter-denominational organization devoted to helping those in need, located at 109 South Main Street.  To celebrate the twenty-year mark, volunteers served cake and soft drinks, directed shoppers to sale items in the thrift store, and fashioned balloon animals for the children.  Former director, Gene Vaughn and wife, Evelyn, (pictured above)bagged purchases at the register while current director, Garry McKinney, welcomed guests to the celebration.

The Mission was started by Reverend Sue Proctor Job.  Her vision was to help those who lived in public housing, especially the children.  In the beginning, the ministry focused on   Christian programs for children with a view to expand the ministry to Bible studies for adults, as well as creating a worship experience for those who felt less than comfortable in a traditional church setting.  

The first programs began in the summer of 1991.  The activities were held in the community rooms of two Morgantown housing complexes, and included puppets, Bible stories and music.  As the ministry grew, the children were divided into two groups.  The boys met in the basement of Morgantown First United Methodist Church where they learned to make bicycle repairs and do basic woodworking.  The girls met at Kent Manor community room to learn cooking, grooming and manners.  Bible study and prayer were also part of these meetings.

In August of 1995, a space became available in the old Morgantown Mall and the Mission headquarters was moved there.  In the spring of 1996, additional mall space opened up, and the organization was able to add a thrift store, as well as a food pantry.  The unoccupied restaurant meant the Mission volunteers could serve weekly meals to the children and an annual Thanksgiving meal to the community.  Also, the vision for an adult Bible study was realized, and additional property was purchased and turned into more classrooms for weekly children’s programs.  

Reverend Gene Vaughn became administrator when Reverend Proctor-Job left the position.  He served at the Mission director from 1997 until 2000, when the Mission hired its first paid director.  Garry McKinney currently holds the position.  There are fifteen members who serve on the board of directors.  They come from various denominations and areas in Butler County.

Volunteers come from all walks of life.  Sandra Hammers found herself out of work when Sumitomo closed its doors.  She decided volunteer work was the direction she wanted to go next.  “I wanted to be out in the public,” she said, “and I enjoy the work and the volunteers I work with.  The Mission is a good place to be involved.”

The thing that touches former director Gene Vaughn more than anything else is the way the people of Butler County have worked together.  “The support comes from across denominational lines, and it makes you realize that God is at work, and He can make a difference when people set aside their differences,” Vaughn said.  Currently, there are eleven different churches involved in the meal ministry that feeds children on Tuesday nights at the Morgantown Methodist Church.

Director Garry McKinney, who first served as a volunteer and on the board of directors before taking the position, has a soft spot for the children who are helped by the Mission programs.  Although McKinney is involved in day-to-day operations, he still brings a van-full of children to the Tuesday night meals.  “I love the children,” he said, “I enjoy talking to them about Jesus Christ, and I enjoy seeing them join a church.  It means a lot to me when they come back and tell me what our help has meant to them.”

Throughout the twenty years since its formation, the Morgantown Mission has stayed true to the original vision of its founders and has expanded to add even more services and activities.  In addition to the children’s ministry, the Mission operates a food pantry and thrift store, provides prom dress rentals for girls who cannot afford them, gives financial support for people in emergency situations, and is involved in blood drives for the Red Cross.

Hours of operation: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday and Saturday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

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Story and photos by Cheryl Hughes, Beech Tree News.