The Free Methodist
Society was organized in 1886 after about two years of pioneer ministry by
various ministers. The first preaching service was conducted by the Rev.
Sidney Saeger in the yard of Mr.P. W. Frye.A church building was erected on Furnace St. in 1888 under the
labors of the Rev. W. B. Roupe and the Oil City Annual Conference convened
in this church in the fall of that year. The church was dedicated at this
time with Bishop E. P. Hart presiding.
A notable revival
was held in the year 1889 with the Rev. R. H. Bentley as pastor. Two
hundred forty-five people professed conversion during this meeting. Other
outstanding revivals were witnessed in the ensuing years by several
pastors.
In 1904 under the
direction of Pastor A. J. Beattie the church building was moved from
Furnace St. to its present location on Ridge Ave. Until the year 1925
there had been no parsonage for the church. The Rev. F. W.
Parks, who also
was a carpenter, set about to erect a parsonage annexed to the church. A
fine seven room dwelling was completed by the pastor and some of his
members.
In 1945 under the
leadership of the Rev. A. J. Miller the church was remodeled to a
considerable extent with many improvements made. Other pastors added to
the appearance and influence of this church. This church stands as a
monument of God’s grace and to the consecration of her pastors and
people. This church ceased to exist in the 1950’s and the building is
now [1974] occupied by Faith Temple with Stanley Jones as Pastor.
From Sharpsville Centennial Commemorative Booklet, 1974,
pages
43-44.
Did
your ancestors attend church here? Do you have more
information (church booklets, photos, history) on this
church? Please let
me know.
Free
Methodist Church. The congregation was organized in 1885,
by Rev. J. H. Bentley, although a farmer
named Davis, from Prospect, Mercer County,
was the first one to begin active agitation of the subject. The
present [1888] structure was built in 1887, at a cost of $1,200, and is a
frame, neat and convenient. The church is weak in membership,
numbering only twenty-two, but the outlook is promising. Following Rev.
Bentley is the present [1888] pastor, Rev. W. B.
Roupe.
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Did
your ancestors attend church here? Do you have more
information (church booklets, photos, history) on this
church? Please 
Free
Methodist Church. The congregation was organized in 1885,
by Rev. J. H. Bentley, although a farmer
named Davis, from Prospect, Mercer County,
was the first one to begin active agitation of the subject. The
present [1888] structure was built in 1887, at a cost of $1,200, and is a
frame, neat and convenient. The church is weak in membership,
numbering only twenty-two, but the outlook is promising. Following Rev.
Bentley is the present [1888] pastor, Rev. W. B.
Roupe.
