Free Methodist Church USA history

In 1901 a few residents met in the building across from Noen’s Grocery owned by Mr. and Mrs.

On December 29, 1902, the following officers were elected:

Sunday School was no longer being held, so on December 2, 1903, the officers met at the home of Mrs.

In 1909 Reverend L. Newman, also of Grace Church, was hired to preach every other Sunday evening.

A building fund was started in 1911.

The church really grew in the 1920’s under the leadership of a lay pastor who brought revival and vision.

In 1939 Reverend Norman E. Detroy was assigned as a full-time minister.

By October of 1946 there was a total of $2,682.46 in the building fund.

On October 2, 1949, construction began and ground-breaking services were held by Reverend Paul Epply, pastor at the time.

Construction of the sanctuary began in April of 1954 with the following crew:

Reverend Paul Carmany was assigned to Lydick in 1955, and during his ministry a second worship service was added.

On November 22, 1959, a note burning service was conducted by District Superintendent Doctor Wilson Parks, celebrating payment of the debt on the sanctuary in full.

In 1960 the Holiness Movement Church of Canada merged with the Free Methodist Church of North America.

Dedication services were held in the new fellowship hall on January 13, 1963, with Bishop Reuben H. Mueller officiating.

Under the leadership of the Reverend Paul Steele, the $85,000 mortgage on the Educational Unit was paid in full on April 29, 1973.

Due to the age of the organ and the high cost of repair, a beautiful new Baldwin organ was dedicated by Reverend Don Crabill on March, 1979.

Another day of rejoicing was reached when on August 19, 1983, Pastor E. Robert Heckman and former Pastor Paul Steele presided at the note burning ceremony for the parsonage.