Named in 1891 by first pastor Rev. H.M. McKnight in honor of Bishop Holland McTyeire, founder of Vanderbilt University, the Lincoln Methodist Episcopal Church South was organized in February 1889 with 22 members. Ground was broken for the church building in June 1890 on land donated by the Heryford family, and the cornerstone was laid on September 9, 1890, by which date membership had reached 92. The church building was dedicated on June 21, 1891. The origin of its unique stained glass windows is unknown, though they were paid for by Peter Ahart. The original trustees were Charles Beermann, John Howard, Verne Burdick, William Dipple, and Peter Ahart. In its first 80 years the church had 48 pastors. Its original elaborate steeple, blown down twice by heavy winds, was reduced in height by half in the early 1900's.