In the fall of 1911, Rev. George Barnes, the District Superintendent of the Methodist Church, appointed Rev. H.F. Irvin pastor of the "Boise Mission", which existed more in the mind of the Superintendent than in reality. At the time there was no organized church in what was known as the Collister-Wylie District, but a number of dedicated people were working toward that goal. The Methodist Episcopal Church was formed and the first service was held Easter Sunday, April 7, 1912 in the grocery store of C.A. Sargent. Services were held in the grocery store for the next six months until the renovated brick meeting house (the Vinegar House) of Dr. George Collister was ready for regular gatherings.

Long before the close of the first year it was evident that a new church building was needed. In September 1912, the Rev. George Barnes, who had just completed six years as District Superintendent of the Boise District, was assigned to the pastorship of the "Boise Mission", which included this church. With the assistance and generosity of the membership, especially Dr. Collister and his wife (land donation and financial support), the first phase of the present church sanctuary was undertaken. The Church was incorporated July 8, 1913 bearing the name "The Morden-Collister Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church", in memory of Thomas E. Morden, the son of Mrs. Collister. The original construction was completed on October 19, 1913.

In the spring of 1922 a parsonage building program was launched and the house was completed for occupancy around July 1, 1922. The Ladies Aid Society of the Church was responsible for the major part of the undertaking. On February 10, 1939, the "burning of the mortgage" was celebrated and left no indebtedness on either the church or parsonage. This parsonage was actively used until 1960. From 1960 until 1998 it was used for meetings and office space at which time it was renovated and reactivated as a parsonage.

During the years from the 1920's to the 1980's joint pastorship between this church and the Eagle Methodist Church was quite common. This initial Boise Methodist Church has been instrumental in expanding organized Methodism in the Treasure Valley. At various times "Missionary Families" from the Collister United Methodist Church were transferred to assist in the creation of both the Hillview and First Methodist Churches.

Ground was broken for an addition to the church on April 23, 1950. The youth and women's groups were critical in raising the needed funds for the expansion (auctions & fair food booths). The addition housed an enlarged sanctuary, fellowship hall, six classrooms, furnace room and restrooms, all at a cost of $19,000.

Young people have always been an important part in the church. In 1948 there were six sets of twins attending Sunday school. In 1953 a record Sunday school Attendance of 167 was noted on Easter Sunday. Boy Scout Troops and Explorer Post 141 won many honors, including the presentation of 10 God and Country Awards in December 1950. The church was the first in the state to present the God and Country Award to three Girl Scouts in May 1957.

In 1960, land to the north and east of the church was purchased for parking and recreation. The house on the property (on Hawthorne Street) was used as a parsonage and later sold in 1962.

The 1970's saw the upgrading of the aging structure and the introduction of the present awe-inspiring stained-glass windows in the sanctuary.

Substantial redesign and renovations were executed to the sanctuary during the latter years of the 1990's. The sanctuary was turned 90 degrees (enabling seating for 150), a new roof was installed, a new pastor's office was constructed, and an entrance hallway and a new "Upper Room" were created. These projects were undertaken so as to support the ongoing outreach and expansion programs of the church.

The 21st Century finds the Collister United Methodist Church committed to growing the congregation, expanding the church support utilities, in the early planning stages of building a new Fellowship Hall and firmly committed to a series of outreach programs designed to bring the Word of God to all.

May God bless you and keep you in His protection in all your travels. We here at Collister look forward to meeting you, and our church welcomes you to all our activities and services.