In 1823, Andrew Jackson donated the land, part of the funds, and the labor of his slaves to build a simple church, likely encouraged by Rachel Jackson, a devout Presbyterian, who wanted a place of worship for the Jacksons and their neighbors. Originally non-denominational, the church joined the Presbyterian Church in 1832 and hired its first minister. Andrew Jackson officially joined in 1838, fulfilling his promise to Rachel that he would become a member once he retired from politics. In 1839, he led a remodeling effort that moved the doors from the west wall to the south wall and installed boxed pews, while benches were placed in the rear for the enslaved. The church remained active until a fire in 1965 gutted it, after which the Ladies Hermitage Association donated nearby land for a new church building, took the remains of the old church, and rebuilt it to resemble its 1839 appearance.