WHO WE ARE
OUR MISSION, VISION & VALUES
As the Boswell Free Methodist church, our mission is to impact our community with the love and hope of Jesus so that all would find and faithfully follow Him.
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We envision a transformed church and community that is overflowing with Spirit-filled disciples.
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Our Values
We put God first
We are faithful in prayer
We are students of the Word
We are Holy Spirit-led
We are an encouraging, caring Body
We are mission-minded
We seek intentional partnerships
We love abundantly
We live authentically
OUR CURRENT STAFF
Pastor Bethany Abbott has served as our pastor since September 2020. She is passionate about studying, teaching, and living the truth from God's Word, as well as connecting with and serving alongside her church family.
Pastor Bethany attended Olivet Nazarene University where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Children's Ministry in 2012 and a Master of Arts degree in Family Ministry in 2014. She became an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church in 2015. Before serving here in Boswell, Pastor Bethany served on staff at a Monee Free Methodist Church in the Chicagoland area for over 7 years.
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When not serving in the church or community, you'll probably find Pastor Bethany with her nose in a book, among her many houseplants, or up to her elbows in some crafting project. Pastor Bethany also loves hiking and kayaking, and spending time with her family across Indiana and Illinois.
OUR DENOMINATION
We are proud to be part of the Free Methodist Church USA and the greater Free Methodist global community. The mission of the Free Methodist Church is to "Love God. Love People. Make Disciples."
For more information about the Free Methodist Church, visit fmcusa.org.
For more information about the FMC Wabash Conference, visit wabashconference.org.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Learn more about what Free Methodists believe about specific theological matters:
OUR STORY
Bible School 1956
Held at Schoolhouse
Pastor Richard & Susie Boileau
on the new stage
From "Footprints in the Sands of Time: Boswell 100 + 5 1871-1976"
Boswell Free Methodist Church was first organized in 1880. The first Evangelist Meeting was held in a tent by Rev. Fred Haley. The first church was was built in 1881 and lead by Rev. W. A. Hyle. The church was organized with four charter members: Mrs. Rebecca Perigo, Mrs. Bell Myers; Mrs. Levina Stokes, and Mrs. Lucy Myers.
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The second church was built on the same ground in 1904, with H. L. McKinnell as Pastor. In 1911 the membership was only eight. At this time, Rev. Gouthey, an outstanding evangelist, was secured to hold revival in the church. Such revival was never seen in this place. At each service crowds became larger and larger, until standing room was at a premium. Conviction settled upon the people, the altar being filled night after night. Over one hundred were saved during the campaign. Not all of these people joined the Free Methodist church, but became members of other churches. By 1911 the membership increased to over sixty under Rev. M. E. Lewis.
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The church was built up in every way. A parsonage was purchased and remodeled just across the street from the church.
A Conference and Camp Meeting was held in Boswell in 1914. The big tents were pitched on South Harold Street between Main and McKnight Streets. The second Conference was held in 1921. It might be well to add that two charter members, Mrs. Rebecca Perigo and Mrs. Bell Myers, lived to see the Gouthy Revival and know their prayers were answered after many years.
The church was remodeled again in 1948 when much needed Sunday School Rooms were added under the leadership of Rev. F.J. Bennett.
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Additional History: In 1990, the church purchased our current building on Old Hwy 41. Many gave much of their time to restructure the building, build classrooms, furnish a new kitchen area, and decorate the Sanctuary. The first service was held in the new building on December 16, 1990 under the leadership of Pastor Richard and Susie Boileau.