Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church

In the heart of Minneapolis, stands the Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church. A beacon of faith and resilience, Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church has a unique story. It all began on a snowy evening in 1919. A small group gathered in the cozy home of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred McFarland. They came together for a prayer meeting. Little did they know, this gathering would plant the seed for what would become a pillar of the community: Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church. The church is named in honor of Bishop Alexander Priestly Camphor. Camphor was a pioneering African American missionary who dedicated his life to spreading the gospel in Africa. Officially organized in 1919, the same year as Bishop Camphor’s passing, the church stands as a testament to his legacy. The journey of Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church wasn’t always easy. The congregation initially moved between different locations, seeking a permanent home. Finally, in 1920, they found refuge in a former Danish-Norwegian Methodist Church on 13th and Broadway Streets. This first permanent space, purchased for $13,500, marked a significant step for the growing congregation. Later, in 1931, the church found its current home on Fuller Avenue. The church building you see today has witnessed the passage of time and holds within its walls the echoes of countless prayers, hymns, and sermons. Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church has grown and evolved alongside its community. It has served as a beacon of hope, a place of solace, and a center for social change. As you stand before its doors, remember the legacy of faith, perseverance, and community that defines Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church.