The Western Conference, held October 1-7, 1808 in Williamson County, Tennessee, sent James Gwinn to the great bend of the Tennessee River, where he organized at the home of Richard and Betsy Ford the first Methodist Society of the six in the Flint Circuit. This circuit, among others, was served for many years by circuit riders. The first building was started in 1815, and the building and 2½ acres of land were deeded to church trustees in 1824 by the Fords. The present sanctuary, begun in 1870 on the original foundation, has undergone several renovations and minor alterations.