Our Beginnings The history of the Free Methodist society in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, is largely intertwined with the economic history of our region. In the Spring of 1910, a number of families who previously had been associated with other holiness churches moved into the Aliquippa area for employment in a newly expanding steel mill. These families began meeting in homes for prayer and praise. Various pastors met with them from time to time for preaching services. The church was formally organized in 1911 in the home of John and Grace Simpson. On the opening night of a tent meeting, just as the pastor had announced his text, a severe storm broke and the ensuing flash flood all but destroyed the plans for the series. Although Rev. Zahniser’s (later to become a Free Methodist bishop) and Rev. Miller’s evangelistic ministry resumed within a few nights, it was decided to hold future meetings at a higher level. The decision to change the location of tent meetings influenced the present location of the church in Plan 12 of Aliquippa, although it would be another eight years before the present building was constructed. The original location of the tent meeting is on Franklin Avenue where St. Titus Catholic Church now stands. From the church’s conception in 1911 until 1918, it was on a “circuit” with the church in Monaca, Pennsylvania, meaning that one pastor served in both communities, although for four of those seven years, the society was without a pastor. During this time, a storefront and an unfinished room in the Laughlin schoolhouse served as meeting places. Rev. A. C. Palmer, who had been sent to the Monaca – Woodlawn (the old name for our section of Aliquippa) circuit in 1917, became the church’s first full time pastor in 1918.* It was under his leadership that the present church was constructed. On December 9, 1918, the Board of Trustees voted to purchase the present property and “build a House of Worship.” It was dedicated in March of 1919, with Rev. J. T. Logan delivering the dedicatory sermon. The church’s parsonage (known affectionately as “The Yellow House” by the current pastor) was purchased in October 1923 and is still in use to this day, sitting two blocks away from the church building. The Aliquippa Free Methodist Church decided to officially incorporate as part of the Free Methodist Church of North America in September 1919, and the charter was received in August 1920.

1232 Main Street, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania 15001
info@aliquippafmc.org | 724.375.1711