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.
Source: Sharpsville Centennial Commemorative Booklet, 1974
|
|