Below is a concise recorded history of significant events that can enlighten each student about the contributions of God and His people in providing and sacrificing for the benefit of individuals like themselves. The Mission has played a pivotal role in equipping, empowering, and educating thousands of individuals, and it will continue to do so with the assistance of God and His people.
Let the history commence:
Fall 1956: The Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission was authorized to operate in West Virginia. The Mission was established to be governed by a Board of Directors.
Spring 1957: Services commenced to address the needs of the homeless men residing on Water Street in an unoccupied storefront. Chapel services were held on Sunday afternoons, followed by a meal.
Spring 1958: The Mission relocated to the 200 block of East Martin Street, where chapel services were held nightly, followed by a meal.
February 23, 1960: The Mission opened its doors at 602 West King Street, with the capacity to accommodate 18 men.
October 11, 1960: The Mission established a Thrift Store in downtown Martinsburg on Queen Street.
June 1961: Pastor Crowe and his wife, along with their three daughters, arrived and served for 59 years as the Superintendent of the Mission.
August 1961: The first Mission Warehouse was opened on Rocky Lane, with a rent-free donation from Martinsburg Concrete Company.
June 1966: A small block building was constructed behind the original mission building for a sorting room and garage, at a cost of $650.00.
January 1, 1967: The note on 602 West King Street was paid in full.
On February 23, 1967, the Mission celebrated with a note-burning ceremony and banquet.
In the spring of 1970, a two-story addition was constructed on the main mission building, providing a new kitchen, dining room, and chapel on the first floor and additional sleeping space on the second floor.
On March 8, 1972, the Mission purchased a warehouse located at 612 Elijah Street.
On November 1, 1977, the Mission purchased 604 W. King St. and relocated its office to the first floor. The second floor was subsequently renovated to accommodate more dormitory space.
On Sunday, April 1, 1984, the warehouse caught fire around 10:30 a.m. Funds were raised, and the warehouse was subsequently rebuilt.
On June 28, 1994, the Mission purchased 606 WW. King St. and relocated its Thrift Store to this location.
On July 14, 1994, the Mission purchased 610-612 W. King St., which is now referred to as 608 W. King St.
On July 21, 2008, the Mission acquired additional property on W. Burke St. directly behind the warehouse.
2008 plans were approved for the construction of a new Mission building to house 78 men.
On May 4, 2010, construction of the new Mission building commenced.
The Mission moved into its new building on May 18, 2013, hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony and prayer of dedication following its monthly board meeting.
On February 2, 2018, the Mission purchased Mt. Pisgah Lodge Property, located at the intersection of Elijah and Burke Streets.
2018 marked the passing of Fall Pastor Crowe and Mrs. Crowe, who had faithfully served for 59 years.
On January 15, 2019, Pastor Tim Guerino was appointed as the new Superintendent of the Mission.
In preparation for the construction of a new warehouse in spring 2019, Mt. Pisgah Lodge was demolished.
November 11, 2021: Plans are underway and fundraising efforts are underway to renovate our building at 604 W. King St. for the purpose of providing temporary family housing. This initiative is named the 604 Project.
March 2022: The Douglas Widmeyer Memorial Educational Fund for the Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission was established to assist individuals who have utilized our programs in taking the next step in their lives. The Fund will provide financial support to help cover educational expenses.
July 18, 2022: Remodeling of the 604 Project commenced.
November 1, 2023: The Haven House/604 Project officially opened to families.
July 25, 2023: The Morgan County Homeless Coalition merged with the Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission (MURM).
November 5, 2023: The Hope House of Berkeley Springs for Women officially opened.
May 1, 2024: Dr. Lisa and Buzz Poland donated a financial matching gift to the “Give A Smile” foundation. This gift will provide dental assistance to individuals who have received services through our Mission programs.
