About us
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Word of God
We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, supernaturally inspired by God. It has been preserved by God and is the divine authority and standard for doctrine and practice.
Believe
We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, supernaturally inspired by God. It has been preserved by God and is the divine authority and standard for doctrine and practice.
Faith
Believe on God
We believe that God, by His sovereign choice and out of love for men, sent Christ into the world to die for the sins of the world.
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ was crucified and died as a penalty for our sins and was raised from the dead bodily on the third day.
Church
We believe that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church and intercedes for believers.
Saved
We believe that by His death, Jesus Christ made perfect atonement for sin. His death provided a way for all men to be saved from eternal death and separation.
History of McKinney Memorial UMC
Highland Chapel, now McKinney Memorial UMC was founded in 1919, by twelve visionary people in the town of La Marque, TX. They first met in the homes of church members until they purchased the land located at 1607 Nashby Street in 1921.
and they met there until the first church; a small white, wooden frame structure was built in 1926. In 1945, the church received a free building from the Methodist Episcopal Church (colored churches only) and they called it a Community Center. There they began many community ministries addressing the needs of the people in the community.
After many structural damages to the first church, they eventually started having worship service in that building. Since its origin, McKinney has purchased additional property to build a new church in 1961. This is the sanctuary we worship in today. In 2004, a large fellowship hall was built adjacent to the church.
The leadership at McKinney was in the hands of many dynamic Preachers and Lay Leaders who dedicated themselves to the church. It was, and still is today, a pivotal hub focused on community development, spiritual formation, and Christian Education. In 1961 the Methodist Episcopal Church referred to it as “God’s Mighty Fortress on the Gulf Coast.” Since its founding, McKinney’s growth has been intricately woven with that of African-American history. It experienced great growth during the years of 1957-1978 when its membership grew rapidly. It received frequent mention in the local press and Texas Conference. In 1970, desegregation took place and we were now called McKinney Memorial United Methodist Church. Following those years, McKinney was focused on Evangelism in 1984 and was recognized by the Houston East District for bringing in 25-30 new members per year. Again in 2006, we were recognized for rapid small church growth.
Over the years, McKinney continued to be a beacon of HOPE for so many in the community. There ministries were focused on Boy Scouts, Voter Registrations, Poverty, Education, Youth Development, Civil Rights, Hunger, Senior Citizen’s Needs, Prayer, Bible Study, Worship, and even stopping Gang Violence.
Over the one-hundred years, this congregation has been tossed by tribulations, hurricanes, grief, pain, and financial hardships. However, the Faith, Unity, and Strength, in our membership has helped us to prevail. Today, McKinney’s long-establishment to its Mission of Faith, Service, Love, and Authenticity is a testimony of a Model Church where the Holy Spirit Makes the Difference!
Our Staff
Dr. Carlos R. Phillips, Senior Pastor
Contact: pastor@mckinneyumc.net
Rev. Dr. Carlos R. Phillips is an ordained Elder in Full Connection in The United Methodist Church since 2006. He has served as Senior Pastor and Elder at McKinney Memorial UMC in La Marque, Texas since May, 2013. He has served several churches in The Texas Annual Conference and provided leadership on District Leadership Teams, Boards, and tasks forces as assigned by the Bishop and District Superintendents.
Rev. Phillips was born in East Texas, but reared in Houston, Texas from childhood. He attended public school in the Houston ISD and a proud graduate of E. E. Worthing High. He holds undergraduate degrees from Texas Southern University and received teaching Certifications from Prairie View A&M on a Master’s level. He currently holds TEA teaching certifications. He has taught, coached, and served in administrative capacities in the public schools of Houston.
Rev. Phillips is married to his lovely wife, Alanda, for almost 40 years. They are proud parents of three children and five grandchildren. He loves his family, sports, and the outdoors.
Dr. Phillips also loves God, God’s people, and God’s calling on his life. Rev. Phillips began his pursuit of ministry as a Gospel preacher in 1985. Rev. Phillips obtained Seminary education from Southern Methodist University and Houston Graduate School of Theology, Master of Theology, M.Divinity, and Doctorate degrees.
Dr Phillips loves the hope-filled Word of God. He has served in thriving Baptist, United Methodist and nondenominational churches. He lives to do God’s will in the yoke of Jesus. He wants to continue the transformation process of being and making disciples of Jesus Christ. He has since formed a passion and great respect for vocational ministry of pastoring in the UMC. He becomes more energetic each day as he serves among the people at McKinney MUMC where “The Holy Spirit Makes the Difference.”
Rev. Vickie Keys,
Christian Education
Contact: vkeys@mckinneyumc.net
Cynthia Thornton,
Administrative Assistant
Contact: adminasst@mckinneyumc.net
Keith Wright, Musician
Onette Wiley, Treasurer
McKINNEY MEMORIAL UMC ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE 2023
