Services at the Morrin United Church ended in May 2019, with the building standing empty since, but the Morrin Historical Society will preserve the building and its history within the community by converting it into a museum.
The Morrin Historical Park Sod House, which is also managed by the society, is part of the motivation behind the new museum as a number of delicate artifacts, including books, are currently kept at the sod house. With no climate control, these items are at risk of being damaged or lost entirely.
Secretary for the Morrin Historical Society, Marilyn Trentham, told the Mail, “Our society is looking for more members or volunteers to help with the renovations and displays.”
The original church was built in 1911 and was converted into a Sunday School and church hall in 1958 when construction of a new church incorporated the footprint of the original building.
Over the years, congregation numbers dwindled and in 2019 the church board made the decision to amalgamate with the Knox United Church in Drumheller.
According to Trentham, the Historical Society plans to keep the church relatively the same, with some minor additions.
So far, an accessibility ramp and some landscape work has been completed over the summer. They are hopeful improvements such as new flooring can be completed over winter.
The Historical Society would like to see the oldest section used for small functions, such as showers and meetings, while the newer section would be used as the museum.
