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The Methodist Episcopal Church in Gladstone was organized in 1887 with the Reverend James Pascoe as it's first pastor. The first meetings were held in the schoolhouse. On February 27, 1888, the 20-member congregation broke ground for the first church building and was dedicated in May, 1888. In 1908 the church was moved back, enlarged and placed on a stone foundation. The church's seating capacity expanded to 400. At the time of dedication the church was renamed to the Alice Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1924 the church name reverted to Methodist Episcopal, changing again in 1940 to Memorial Methodist Church. In 1968, with the merger of United Brethren and Methodists, the named was again changed to Memorial United Methodist Church.
Many improvements through the years were made to the church. In 1980, a school building was built and the congregation purchased a new parsonage making room for a parking area.
In 1987, Memorial Church and the City of Gladstone celebrated their centennial birthdays together. In the early 1990's the old church was sold and ground was broken for the present church at 1920 Lake Shore Drive in April of 1993. In January 2003, a new wing was added to the current building creating more classrooms and Smith Hall.
Thirty pastors have served since Memorial's beginning with the current pastor being Rev. Jackie Roe.
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