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Free Methodist Church

Sharpsville

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

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