Mount Zion Presbyterian Church and Reverend George Renshaw

On October 28, 2024By Karl

Today’s story takes us to St. It leads to Cave Spring, site of the first regularly held Presbyterian church west of St. Louis. Mount Zion Presbyterian Church services were first held at the Renshaw family home on October 19, 1839. The Rev. George Renshaw oversaw the construction of the first church building in 1845, followed by renovations six years later. The church was also home to Cave Spring School, and classes were held on the second floor.

After nearly 130 years of service, the church closed its doors in 1968 when the congregation merged with a nearby Presbyterian church. Today, the building known as Cave Spring Memorial Church still stands and is listed as a Greene County Historic Site.

Church sermon written by the Rev. George Renshaw, 1847

Renshaw and McLin Family Articles Contains correspondence, photographs, and other documents related to the Renshaw and McLin families, as well as Mount Zion Presbyterian Church. The collection also includes church sermons written by George Renshaw between 1845 and 1848.

To explore this collection and more, visit the Springfield Research Center inside MSU’s Meyer Library or find us online at: SHSMO.org.