[2] It was named in honor of Bishop William McKendree (1757–1835), who dedicated the church building on November 23, 1834.

[2][3][4] Silversmith Joseph T. Elliston, who served as the fourth mayor of Nashville from 1814 to 1817, was one of its co-founders.

[2] Alexander Little Page Green (1806–1874) served as its pastor,[5] followed by John Berry McFerrin (1807–1887).

[6] The funeral of James K. Polk (1795–1849), who served as the 11th President of the United States, was conducted by Rev.

[7] In June 1850 the Church hosted the Nashville Convention, a meeting of delegates from nine Southern states to consider secession during the crisis that ultimately led to the Compromise of 1850.