[2] Cook, a native of Athens and the son of former slaves, had attended Fisk University as a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, then went on to graduate from Knoxville College.

In 1888 he traveled north to study for the Presbyterian ministry at the United Presbyterian Church's Allegheny Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

[3] He returned to Athens and started a new congregation in a building that also served as a dance hall.

The current church building was built and furnished in 1892 with assistance from sponsors in Pennsylvania.

[2] The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.