Downtown Presbyterian is considered the best-preserved example of Egyptian Revival architecture in the United States. Although the portico and columns were not completed until 1871, they were true to Strickland's original design. The interior perspective paintings were added in 1881 and stained glass windows were added in 1887.

The church, organized as First Presbyterian Church, changed its name to The Downtown Presbyterian Church in 1955 when the congregation divided and First Presbyterian relocated to Oak Hill. The congregation split over the decision to move the church to the suburbs and to sell the original building to a parking garage company. A core group of members committed to stay downtown and to maintain the old building. With the help of the entire Nashville community, the group managed to raise the funds necessary to buy the building.

Sources:

Thomas B. Brumbaugh, Architecture of Middle Tennessee (Nashville: Vanderbilt University Press, 1974). p. 64-66.

James A. Hoobler, "Karnack on the Cumberland," Tennessee Historical Quarterly, Vol. XXXV, No. 3, p.251-262.