Melissa Christian Church grew from religious gatherings held in a local schoolhouse as early as 1868. Its first sanctuary, built near this site in 1878, was destroyed by a tornado in 1921 and replaced by the present structure in 1924. Local contractor W.N. Osburn supervised church volunteers in its construction. The building's modest classical details include pediments at the entrances and a dentil cornice. Many members of the present-day congregation are descendants of the church's original charter membership, and the congregation continues to serve the local community.