The Allen Memorial Church building, owned by Emory College (now Emory University) was dedicated June 5, 1910 by Bishop Warren A. Candler. Although the Methodist Church in Oxford was established and had flourished since 1838, the congregation moved from the “Old Church” on Wesley St. to the new building in 1910 and became known as Allen Memorial Methodist Church. The church congregation has now worshipped in this beautiful sanctuary for 100 years. The college has used the building for events and as a meeting place. Until 1985 the minister served a dual role as church pastor and chaplain of the college. Community events have also been held in the sanctuary. In 1956 an education building was built beside the sanctuary. A third building, The Family Life Center which includes Lovern Hall, was opened in 1999.

The church is named after Young J. Allen, the first Methodist missionary to China. Allen was born in Burke County, Georgia in 1836. He attended and graduated from Emory College in 1858. He was a powerful influence among the students and he led a revival on the college campus which was said to have led to the founding of the Women’s Foreign Missionary Society (now United Methodist Women) in Oxford. After graduation Allen sold his property and left for China, where he worked as a missionary and educator until his death in 1907. He was known and respected world-wide.