History:

Morningside Baptist Church had its beginning in the living room of Pastor and Mrs. Bob McClure in October 1957 with eight people present at the first meeting. The group continued to meet in the McClure's living room and later moved to their basement.

In August 1958 the as yet unincorporated congregation began to meet in a small house on Fisher Drive. This home has since been torn down to make a right-of-way for Duke Power Company equipment. In September of the same year, the group erected a tent on the site of what became Alexander's store, and evangelistic services were held. Rev. Rufus Mitchell was the evangelist, and Mrs. Catherine Inglesby Fisher was the first convert when the church was incorporated. She became one of the charter members. In October 1958 the church was incorporated according to the laws of the State of South Carolina.

An important event of 1958 was the purchase of the property on East North Street. The property consisted of two lots and a small frame house that was purchased for $11,000.

The congregation held services in the house which stood where the parking lot is presently located. Membership in 1958 reached fifty-seven.

The congregation began praying and planning toward building a church sanctuary. The church faced many difficulties, including much opposition from homeowners in the community who did not want a church built in their residential area. The pastor and board members contacted the homeowners and presented to them the church's statement of faith, the goals for a future attractive sanctuary, and their certain belief that the Lord wanted the church in that neighborhood for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel.