After a fire in June 1902 destroyed the Methodist Episcopal Church of the North Alabama Conference along with most of downtown Alexander City, church leaders chose to relocate to this site. Construction of the neoclassical Romanesque house of worship began in 1903, using foundation stones gathered from a nearby farm and bricks and timbers made by local craftsmen within walking distance. The first service in the completed building was held in May 1906. The church traces its beginnings to the summer of 1872, when a small group of Methodists led by Rev. William T. Patillo joined people of other denominations for a union revival under a bush arbor in the village of Youngsville.