A historical church landmark in McLemoresville has been awarded by the West Tennessee Cumberland Presbytery to the city of McLemoresville to be preserved and enjoyed for generations to come, according to Mayor Phil Williams.

The decision to donate McLemoresville Cumberland Presbyterian Church building and property to the city was made after the church closed in the spring of 2008 because of declining membership.

Bethel College, now located in McKenzie, was organized through the McLemoresville Cumberland Presbyterian Church and opened in a building near the church in 1842. The school continued to operate at that location until 1872, when better railroad transportation dictated the college’s move to McKenzie.

“It’s been a part of our community for so many years that we hated to see anything happen to it,” said Williams. “It is a great, great historical chapel.”

Williams noted some renovation of the building will be made by the city. He noted the floors are solid, but stated that within the next year, plans call for a new roof to be installed and the walls straightened.

Although plans for future use of the building is not being disclosed at this time, the mayor noted it will involve functions of the entire community and possibly county.

Williams stated he was originally contacted by former McLemoresville resident Steve Ramsey who advised the church was closing and inquired if the city would be interested in the property. After discussing the matter with the city board, Williams wrote a letter to Elder Mark Maddox of the Presbyterian Board of Missions, who also serves as state representative, asking the board to make a formal request of the Presbytery that the church building and property be donated to the City of McLemoresville. In turn, the city ensured the building would be restored and utilized for community activities.

During a Tuesday, August 12 meeting of the city board, Rev. Merlin Alexander was in attendance as a representative of the Presbytery to make the formal presentation of the church building and property to the city.

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