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On January 18, 1853, this building and all its contents were destroyed by fire. The timber for the 1837 church building was cut from the land of George Alderman. From 1805 to 1837, church services were held in congregants' homes and in schoolhouses. Nevertheless, no church building was constructed until 1837. On June 20, 1810, eight acres on the northwest corner of Vienna Center was purchased by the ecclesiastical society for $20.00.

Yet, according to an 1882 history, church members unanimously adopted a resolution to adopt “the Presbyterian form of government and discipline” on March 2, 1871. According to a published history of the church, the Vienna congregation resolved on May 3, 1854, to adopt Presbyterianism, merely formalizing longstanding practice. Some churches in the Western Reserve attempted to combine both denominations, but this practice was eventually abandoned. As missionaries of the Connecticut Missionary Society they heeded what was called the Plan of Union, instituted in 1801. Though Reverend Robbins and Reverend Joseph Badger, who had preached at Vienna in 18, were Congregational ministers, they were united with Presbyterians in their efforts to bring organized religion to the Connecticut Western Reserve. A man has lately died of the prevailing fever in Gustavus.

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A full meeting, appeared solemn and attentive. Some people from Pennsylvania came to attend the sacrament. Preached preparatory to the sacrament from Rev. Afternoon the church chose me for their standing moderator, and chose a committee and clerk. Had appointed to preach a sacramental lecture, but the lameness of my horse hindered me so that I did not arrive in time. Reverend Robbins continued his work with the congregation: The first thirteen members were Isaac Flower, Rosanna Williams, Samuel Clinton, Anna Wheeler, Joseph and Sylvia Bartholomew, John and Lois Clark, Robert Hughes and Margaret Hughes, James Montgomery, Jane Montgomery, and Isaac Woodford. Several people attended from the neighboring towns. After sermon in the afternoon publicly organized thirteen persons-seven men and six women-as a church of Christ, charged them to keep covenant with God and one another, and endeavored to commit them to the care and grace of the great head of the Church.

Matthews, committee of the church at Smithfield, was present and assisted. Having obtained satisfaction, concluded to constitute them publicly tomorrow. After which proceeded in the examination of those who wished to be organized into a church. Concluded to proceed further on the subject tomorrow. Afternoon after preaching from 1 John iv: 11, conversed with several persons who presented letters and certificates of good standing in different Christian churches, on the subject of forming a Christian church. Reverend Robbins wrote of this meeting in his diary: