The Free Methodist Church

A brief look at its’ history

Origin

1571 Martin Luther’s’ 39 Articles of Faith used to establish the Church of England

1660 “Puritans” ejected from churches

1738 Morality and religion collapse in the Church of England

1729 John Wesley and three others start to meet

1735 John Wesley sails to the U.S.

1738 Wesley converted

1739 Spiritual awakening begins in England with John Wesley as main voice

1739 Wesley followers called “Methodists”

1784 Methodist Episcopal Church is established in America

1860 “Free Methodist Church” breaks away from Methodist Episcopal Church

Basics of Methodism

Emphasis on Nurture – societies formed

Emphasis on Lay Participation – “class meetings” formed

Field Preaching – taking the “gospel” to the masses

Reasons for the Free Methodist Church to break from M.E.C.

Doctrine of the “Second Work of Grace”

Abolishment of “Secret Societies”

Condemnation of Slavery

Rented Pews

Worldliness

Free Methodist Church Today

1,032 Churches in U.S.

105,000 ave. morning worship attendance in U.S.

800,000 ave. morning worship attendance worldwide

77,173 members in U.S.

As of September 3, 2008

Free Methodist World Membership = 731,791
FM Membership in Africa = 52.9 %
FM Membership in India = 17.8 %
FM Membership in the United States = 10.1 %

Williamston Church

1875 begun after revival service and conversion of tavern owner named O’Dell

1908 Church built on S. Cedar St.

1978 New Church built on present location
2004 New Sanctuary addition