The church was organized in 1875 in the Pecan Grove community just west of Whitney, with the Reverend I. M. Reeve, a circuit rider, leading the congregation in its formation. In 1880, one year after the town of Whitney was founded on the rail line, the fellowship built a sanctuary here and became known as the Whitney Methodist Church. In 1901, the name King Memorial was chosen to honor Captain Newton J. King, an area pioneer and early church member. Over the years, the congregation has provided significant service and leadership to the town.