Built in 1897 by the Mt. Zion Methodist Church, the church’s original parsonage is located just south of downtown Cornelius and across from the railroad that stretches through the town. Constructed as a home for the pastor around the same time as the construction of the original brick church building, the parsonage was located just east of the original church.

Mt. Zion Methodist Church was a main place of worship for Cornelius at that time and the parsonage’s historic significance is tied directly to the church. Many of the congregations’ social activities, ranging from weddings to committee meetings, took place in the parsonage. The site was used as the church’s parsonage until 1931, when the church constructed a new parsonage that also stands across NC Highway 115 and the railroad tracks, on Zion Avenue at the entrance of the current Mt. Zion Methodist Church property.

The parsonage still retains much of its original architectural integrity and is the oldest preserved structure of its type and architectural style in Cornelius. It is also significant in that it is a rare example within Cornelius of a traditional vernacular residence with both Colonial Revival and Victorian style influences. It retains many elements original to the house, including five fireplaces with hand-carved mantels.