McKendree United Methodist Church

The church building is located at 523 on Church Street in Nashville, Tennessee.[1]

This was the location of the Nashville conference, June 3-11, 1850. This was the first major Meeting of southern states where secession was discussed. The first building at its present location was constructed in 1833.[2] It was named in honor of Bishop William McKendree (1757-1835), who dedicated the church building on November 23, 1834.[2][3][4] Silversmith Joseph T. Elliston, who served as the fourth mayor of Nashville from 1814 to 1817, was one of its co-founders.[5] It was the largest Methodist church in the United States at the time.[2]

Alexander Little Page Green (1806-1874) served as its pastor,[5] followed by John Berry McFerrin (1807-1887).[6] The funeral of James K. Polk (1795–1849), who served as the 11th President of the United States, was conducted by Rev. McFerrin in this church.[7]

During the American Civil War of 1861-1865, it was converted into a hospital.[2] On January 29, 1879, a new church building was dedicated.[2] However, on October 26, 1879, the church was burned down.[2] In 1882, a new church was built.[2] On July 4, 1905, the church building was burned down again.[2] In 1910, the current church building was completed.[2] In 1910, the Von Guerthler Art Glass Company added stained glass windows.[1] In 1990, a Christian life Center was added to the rear of the church building.[1]

The current pastor is Stephen Handy, starting in 2009 to present day.[8] Services take place every Sunday at 9am and 11am.[9]