Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church was organized in September 1906 with ten charter members during the height of Mount Airy’s days as a prominent resort town. The Monterey Hotel attracted visitors from Atlanta and the coastal towns of Georgia and South Carolina, and many families owned summer homes in the area. Among them was Dr. S. L. Morris, a Presbyterian minister and Secretary of the Home Mission Board, who recognized the need for a local Presbyterian congregation. He was instrumental in organizing the church, with assistance from Dr. Henry F. Hoyt, pastor of the newly formed Cornelia Presbyterian Church.

The sanctuary, completed in 1907, reflected the simple yet elegant style of early 20th-century Presbyterian architecture. Dr. Morris reported the cost at $1,000, with the addition of pews bringing the total to $1,250. Frequent Monterey Hotel guest P. D. Ayers generously donated the pulpit furniture, pump organ, silver baptismal bowl, and communion set.

Though the church never exceeded 25 members, it played a vital role in the spiritual life of the community. Its Sunday school was so respected for its Bible teaching that parents from other churches sent their children to attend. The congregation also addressed material needs, providing food and clothing to the needy. The annual community Christmas party, held at the church, ensured that some children received gifts who otherwise would have had none.

By 1979, membership had dwindled, and the remaining members transferred to Cornelia Presbyterian. Today, the Mount Airy building serves as a chapel for the Cornelia church. Remarkably, it remains unchanged, still containing its original furnishings. A period piano, donated in recent years, now stands inside, adding to the timeless charm of this well-preserved piece of Mount Airy’s history.