Creekside Chapel: A Free Methodist Church

Creekside Chapel was originally known as the First Free Methodist Church of Allegany; we are still proud members of the Free Methodist Church of North America. Creekside was one of the first FM churches in existence.

The Free Methodist Church was established in 1860 by, among others, local lawyer turned minister B.T. Roberts (he also founded Roberts Wesleyan College in 1866). In a time of turmoil regarding slavery, women’s rights and growing poverty, Roberts and others took a stand for those individuals who were being mistreated by society and even the church. The Free Methodist Church was established to provide a church without cost (others were charging for pews) and one that would stand up against slavery as part of the abolitionist movement (many churches did not want to take a stand on such a controversial topic); therefore adding “free” to the already existing Methodist name.

The Free Methodist Church of today still exists to love God, love people, and make disciples. Their vision is to “bring wholeness to the world through healthy biblical communities of holy people multiplying disciples, leaders, groups and churches.”

For more information on the Free Methodist Church, click here.