It was founded in 1861 by Jonathan Blanchard, who was also the first president of Wheaton College, an unaffiliated university.
[3] The Church owns a Georgian revival building that faces the college campus on Washington Street.
"[citation needed] Blanchard wanted the church to be known for its opposition to slavery, secret societies, and alcohol use.
The high school ministry was formerly led by Zach Fallon, now serving as an incoming senior pastor for a church plant in the Atlanta, Georgia south metro area.
The church offers the disability ministry STARS (Seeking to Always Reflect the Savior)[11] "to make access to worship, ministry, and fellowship a reality for any child or adult with special needs.