The "Original" Mount Sterling Cumberland Presbyterian Church was moved to Sturgis in the early eighteenth century from Rock Springs, Kentucky, a small community located near Wheatcroft, Kentucky. Before being moved to Sturgis, Kentucky, it was located at the Crossroads, behind the old train station. The church was destroyed by fire and a new church was built in 1890 on the corner of Seventh and Pike Streets, in Sturgis, Kentucky. After a period of years in 1909, plans were in line to build another church in the present location. This did not come about until 1913. Those plans were put into action and a new church was constructed.

Over the period of years three floods (with the flood of 1937 being the worst) hit the church constructed in 1913. The water almost completely covered the church making in barely visible and doing much damage to the structure. The church did withstand the flood and after renovations, the old church stood for another fifty-one years until it could no longer stand. It took many prayers from the saints to keep the church standing until the Lord allowed the old church to be replaced. The plans to build a new more modern church were introduced about thirteen years ago. The members grew tired of spending money in trying to maintain the old building. It had begun to deteriorate, and they felt it was time to take a giant leap of faith and build a new structure.

This great dream became a reality in April 1988 with the building in which the congregation is presently holding worship services. To this date, the Lord has not only blessed the church family to build a new church, but to "burn the note" six years later in August 1994. We are proud to say that in August 2002 the congregation will be celebrating the 112th year of the original church and the 13th year in the new church.

Some accomplishments include adding of thirty-six new members to the Mount Sterling Church family over the past six years, and that has increased the number for fellowship. Some of the purchases have been the adjacent property on the corner of Sixth and Pike Streets. An organ, which was donated by the members of the church; a keyboard for traveling which was donated by Pastor Greenwell and his wife; the purchase of a Kurtzwell electric piano; a church van for ministry outreach and transportation for church members and others, re-establishment of the youth organization and expansion of the youth ministry; a Deacon Fund Outreach Program; a Bible Study group and workshops for community children; summer trips for the youth and church members; and a Student Scholarship Program for youth members going to college are some of the additions that have been made.

Future goals include blueprints drawn for a new construction to the church for the addition of an enlarged dining area, classrooms and a choir room, and a recreation facility for the youth.

The church mission is to focus on an outreach ministry. In 1999 Mount Sterling's "Mission Outreach Program" was put into place under the leadership of Deacon Vanessa Barnhill as director. Aid and donations have been distributed to many needy causes. The programs goal is to strive to help others.

Former pastors are Rev. Oscar Powell, Rev. Shelby Garnett, Rev. Ray, Rev. Kersey, Rev. Riley, Rev. Richards, Rev. Hardison and Rev. Clark. The current pastor is Rev. William M. Greenwell.

The church historians are Sister Christine Shelton who is one hundred and four years of age and is the oldest member of the church. Sister Beulah Greenwell is still active as an elder and as a mother of the church. Elder Sharon Combs is the church clerk.

[Source: Built by the Hands: An Historical Account of Love, Faith and Determination in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America 1869-2002. Written by Nancy J. Fuqua. Huntsville, Alabama: Executive Committee of the General Assembly, 2002, pages 333-334]