We trace our heritage back to the
original Methodism as led by its founder John Wesley.
When Methodism came to America, churches and annual conferences spread
across the
land. In 1860, in western New York and Illinois, the Free Methodist
Church came into
being.Issues that were important to
them included slavery in America. While the mother church
did not take a stand, those who took the name "Free Methodist" opposed
slavery. Another issue in that time was the widespread practice of
renting and selling church pews,
thus relegating the poor to benches in the back of the sanctuary.
"Free" Methodist called
for free seats for all and emphasized tithes and offerings to support the
church's ministries.
Freedom in worship, in contrast to formalism, was also important to "Free"
Methodists.
As a Free Methodist we seek to maintain the heritage of original Methodism
with its warm-hearted, biblical message and lifestyle.
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