Together, the two churches operated a mission Sunday school on the city's northern side, starting in late 1878.

With over one hundred charter members, the congregation soon began planning to erect their own house of worship;[3]: 489  under the leadership of the Russell Brothers firm,[1] construction took place during the last quarter of 1893, and the new building was dedicated on January 28, 1894.

[5] One of Springfield's most significant churches and among the most distinctive of all of its public buildings,[2] Third Presbyterian is built of brick and rests on a foundation of limestone; it is covered with a slate roof, and it features elements of sandstone and terracotta.

[6] Distinguishing it from all of Springfield's other churches is its unusual clerestory and its unique octagonal onion dome.

Throughout the church's history, its exterior appearance has remained the same; no significant changes have ever been made to it.