The church's first building was located behind the town courthouse, on the public square.

Later, due to the planned coming of the railroad, land was purchased at the present location, in 1847, for the construction of the current building, which was opened late that year.

Notable members of the congregation in the early years were Elbert F. Sevier, a grandson of Governor John Sevier; Parson William Gannaway Brownlow (later governor of Tennessee during Reconstruction); and Elijah Embree Hoss (who became a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South).

The building was tied up in a legal battle immediately following the Civil War, as members loyal to either side of that political battle tried to gain control of the property.

[2] A balcony along the back wall was at one time set aside for people of color.