In 1869, Richard and Susan Gowan gave land on Rush Creek, 1 mile southeast, for a Methodist church and cemetery. Gowan, his neighbors, and others built a white frame chapel for church and school, and that building was moved to Blooming Grove in 1887. A second sanctuary was built in 1893 on the present site. From 1899 to 1913, the Methodist denomination operated Central Texas College in Blooming Grove, increasing the work of this church. Dr. Clovis Chappell and Dr. E.B. Hawk, pastors who later won national renown, led in building the present edifice in 1913. The congregation has given 22 men to the ministry.