Freedom for people
Opposing slavery
The movement rejected slaveholding and joined the Christian abolitionist witness of its day.
Since 1862
A long story, still being written.
TFMC has gathered through changing neighborhoods, buildings, pastors, and generations. The thread running through it is a local community seeking to follow Jesus together.
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TFMC’s story begins around 1860, when early Free Methodists gathered for worship in Tonawanda homes. In 1862, a group of fifteen full members formally incorporated as the Tonawanda Society of the Free Methodist Church.
The congregation moved from homes to a converted schoolhouse, then built on Adam Street in the late nineteenth century. As Tonawanda grew around the Erie Canal, generations of church members worshiped, served, and cared for neighbors here.
The church eventually relocated to 207 Grove Street. Ground was broken in 1966, and the present building was dedicated in October 1968. Its design and location marked a new chapter; its purpose remained the same: a local community seeking to follow Jesus together.
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TFMC across generations
A brief timeline
From living rooms to Grove Street
A few milestones from the fuller history preserved by the congregation.
Around 1860
Worship begins in local homes
Early Free Methodist gatherings take place in the Village of Tonawanda, including in the home of George Goodenough Sr.
1862
The congregation is incorporated
Fifteen full members formally organize as the Tonawanda Society of the Free Methodist Church.
1887
A church home on Adam Street
After meeting in homes and a converted schoolhouse, the congregation purchases property and builds on Adam Street.
1966–1968
A new chapter on Grove Street
Ground is broken for the present church, shaped by the labor and generosity of members. The building is dedicated on October 6, 1968.
Today
Still part of Tonawanda’s story
TFMC continues as a neighborhood church near downtown and the Erie Canal, seeking to love God, love people, and make disciples.
Why “Free” Methodist?
A name shaped by freedom and holy love
When the Free Methodist Church formed in western New York in 1860, its founders connected the gospel with four concrete freedoms. They remain a challenging part of our inheritance.
Freedom from status
Seats open to all
Church pews were free rather than rented, refusing to give wealth a preferred place in worship.
Freedom to lead
Women in ministry
Women were to be free to answer God’s call and serve in every church role, including pastoral ministry.
Freedom in worship
Open to the Spirit
Worship made room for the Holy Spirit’s living movement rather than being constrained by social convention.
Free Methodist roots
Born in western New York, connected around the world
The Free Methodist movement emerged in western New York in 1860 from a desire for spiritually alive Christianity, holy living, freedom from social exclusion, and faithful witness. TFMC’s beginnings belong to that same regional story.