On July 3, 1880 a congregation was formed by the name of Cumberland Presbyterian Church. This church was later affliated with the United Presbyterian Church. In August 1883, a church building was constructed with the help of the community.

The Champion Hill Church was organized with the following members: Wm F. Davis, Elizabeth E. Davis, Minerva J. Burch, William Burch, Sarah J. Kellenbarger, Elba Swisher, Mary E. McMullin, Elizabeth A. Davis, Sarah H. Stockton, Malinda Ray, Francis A. Pace and Jane Pace.

During the early years, many more members were added to the congregation; Conrad Strickler, Brother and Sister Wickersham, Sister Jenny Davis, Sister Rilda Figins, Sister Mollie Moore, Wm. Snodgrass, Sadie Snodgrass, Wm. H. McLain, Horace McLain, Antoinette McLain, Dula McLain, Alice McLain, Melissa Climer, Wm. F. Davis, Jr., Lorna M. McLain, Emma Straight, John McLain and Emma Climer.

The first meeting was held in the Walnut Schoolhouse in Montgomery County. F. A. Pace was elected and ordained as the first ruling Elder. One July 9, 1883, thirty-one members met to consider the matter of building a church. After discussing two locations the Wm. F. Davis, Sr. land in Mills County was selected. On August 9, 1883, the church building began, with the men in the community helping with the work.

Source: adapted from History of Mills County Iowa, 1985~ transcribed by Karyn Techau