The Korean Methodist Church & Institute (KMC&I) was established in 1921 as the oldest Korean church in the East Coast and among the first Korean churches in the United States. The term “Institute” has historical significance in that KMC&I was founded as a direct result of the Korean Independence Movement and served as a sanctuary as well as forum for scholars, political dissidents and immigrants.

In 1985, the leaders and parents in the church, concerned about the spiritual well-being of future generations of Korean Americans and the language disparity between the generations, decided to establish the English Speaking Congregation. Eventually, with the support of the Korean Congregation, a full-time pastor was hired and the ESC evolved into the English Language Ministry, with its own Council and administrative committees.

Over the next 20 years, the community encountered various joys and challenges, undergoing changes in the process. In November of 2004, ELM officially changed its name to Morningside Ministry-KMC&I, and moved its Sunday worship service to Union Theological Seminary. In addition, a contemporary worship service was launched in the afternoon to reach a younger generation of worshipers.

In 2011, with the support of the Bishop and Cabinet of the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Morningside-KMC&I was established as an independent church called Morningside United Methodist Church. Today, we open our doors to all who seek to worship God and live a Christ-like life of genuine Christian faith and love to the fullest.