Rives Methodist Episcopal Church was organized on 12 October 1890 in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian building by W. C. Waters, pastor and 29 members, 14 of whom transferred from the Pleasant Hill congregation, 3 from Obion Chapel, 9 by letter and 3 by confession of faith. They met in the ARP building until 1894 and subsequently in the Cumberland Presbyterian building until 1897 when their building was completed. W. M. Midyett was the minister at this time and Rev. Ashley Wilson was presiding elder.

Pastors beginning in 1890: W.C. Waters, W. O. Lanier, J. A. Vaughn, J. H. Witt, S. Weaver, D. C. Johnson, W. M. Midyett, W. W. Armstrong, J. M. Hamil, J. A. Moody, R. M. Walker, C. D. Hilliard, J. W. Joyner, W. F. Barrier, R. R. Hart, R. C. Whitnell, E. H. Stewart, J. T. Bagby.