Rooted in History. Still Following Jesus.
Our Story
Our Free Methodist Heritage
The Free Methodist Church began in 1860 in Pekin, New York, under the leadership of B.T. Roberts and others who wanted to see the church return to a more biblical, compassionate, and Spirit-led way of life.
At the time, some churches charged people to rent pews, making worship feel divided by wealth and status. There were also serious concerns about slavery, legalism, and a loss of heartfelt worship. The early Free Methodists believed the church should be a place of freedom: free seats, free worship, freedom for all people, and freedom to live holy lives in obedience to God.
That same spirit still matters today.
Free Methodists around the world continue to be committed to loving God, loving people, making disciples, serving the poor, caring for the vulnerable, and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ.
Our Local Story
Our church began in 1891 as Gearhartville Free Methodist Church, located just outside Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. What started as a small, simple church became a place where generations of people worshiped, served, prayed, and grew in faith.
Over the years, God used many pastors, leaders, families, and faithful servants to shape this church. There were seasons of revival, growth, children’s ministries, youth ministries, community outreach, and changed lives.
We are grateful for the people who came before us. Their faithfulness helped build the foundation we stand on today.
Why “gFree”?
Our historical name is still Gearhartville Free Methodist Church, but we often use the name gFree Church because it is simpler, easier to remember, and helps us connect with people throughout the greater Moshannon Valley.
The name may be shorter, but the mission has not changed.
We are still a Free Methodist church. We are still committed to Scripture. We are still serious about following Jesus. And we still believe the church should be a place where people can encounter God, find community, and grow in faith.
A New Building, the Same Mission
In 2019, we completed a new church building to better welcome people and serve our community. While the location, building, music, and ministries have changed over time, our heart has remained the same.
We want people to know Jesus.
We want families, children, teens, adults, and neighbors to experience the love of God in a real and practical way. We want to be a church that honors our history while faithfully following Jesus into the future.
Learn More About the Free Methodist Church
For more about our denomination and beliefs, visit:
Pastors and Leaders Who Have Served
We honor the men and women who have faithfully served this church and community over the years. Their leadership, prayers, and ministry have helped shape who we are today.
2007-Present Noel Meyers, Lead pastor
2026-Present Mike Becket, Discipleship pastor
2022-2024 Jonah Bell, Worship Leader
2018-2024 Matt Argot, Ministry Staff
2014-2018 Merry Kendall, Associate Pastor
2010-2012 Matt Manera, Assistant
2001-2007 Larry Aldrich
1994-2001 Todd Onink
1990-1993 David Anderson
1984-1990 Ned Burkett
1975-1984 David E Shultzaberger
1970-1975 William M Grover
1962-1970 B.K. Swartwood
1957-1962 Galen K Chalfant
1947-1957 G.G. Burke
1944-1947 A.C. Thompson
1941-1944 J.T. McNaughton
1941-1944 Mary McNaughton, Assistant
1937-1941 C.A. Smith
1935-1937 A.E. Rogers
1933-1935 W.J. Kerry
1932-1933 Zenas Miller
1929-1932 J.F. McCelland
1925-1929 Henry G. Leighlitner, Supply
1922-1925 F.W. Parks
1918-1922 W.O. Webster
1916-1918 H.W. & Nell Haskins, Supply
1914-1916 B.J. Hall
1912-1914 H.N. Hepler
1910-1912 L.L. Adams
1909-1910 T.S. Slocum
1906-1909 F.W. Parks
1903-1906 T.W. Murry
1902-1903 M.E. Wolcott
1901-1902 G.S. Bryan
1900-1901 P.B. Wright & G.J. Kelley, Supply
1898-1899 H. Stitler
1896-1898 R.H. Williams
1895-1896 Alexander Smith & William Kerry, Supply
1892-1895 J.J. Zahnizer
1891-1892 A.D. Zahnizer & F.W. Fox, Supply plus Bishop and Evangelist
1890-1891 R.W. Hawkins