Mt. Zion Methodist traces its beginnings to 1825, when it was established as a Methodist Episcopal Church South mission at Rock Springs, in what is now the Denver community of Heard County. Like many early missions, it was supplied by a circuit rider who traveled on horseback from village to village.

By 1830, the North Georgia Methodist Episcopal Church South Conference was organized out of the South Carolina Conference, which had supplied Georgia churches with ministers. In 1833, the Annual Methodist Conference was held in LaGrange, continuing a tradition that still exists. Life was difficult in the frontier days. Illness, poor medical care, and short lifespans meant that faith, food, and safety were priorities. Education was also highly valued, and early schools were often held in churches.

In 1840, the mission relocated about two miles southwest to the Stateline community, less than a mile from the Alabama state line. By 1850, Mt. Zion was one of the earliest Methodist churches in Heard County, then part of the LaGrange District. At that time, there were 13 Baptist and 10 Methodist churches across the county.

The Civil War years brought a decline in membership. While pastors did not serve in battle, they ministered to soldiers throughout the conflict. After the war, the church was relocated again, in 1870, to its present site. In 1874, George W. Glenn deeded land to the trustees for a church, cemetery, and academy.

A fire destroyed the sanctuary before 1894, but it was rebuilt by members and dedicated as Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal Church South. Newspaper accounts from the early 20th century mention its strong membership and the families who supported it.

Through the years, the congregation has updated the sanctuary while carefully preserving the character of the original structure. Today, Mt. Zion stands as one of Heard County’s oldest congregations and a reminder of the faith and determination of its early settlers.