Fleming Free Methodist Church

History of the Fleming Society

    In the early 1890's during the pastoral work of the Rev. J.J. Zahniser in Philipsburg, PA., he made his way by horse and buggy across the Black Moshannon Mountain to a place in Dix Run about two miles west of the community of Unionville, PA.  He held his first meeting in the old Advent Church in Dix Run.

    Because of his earnestness and the interest of the people, he with others returned a short time after and conducted a grove meeting in Dix Run.  During this meeting a number of people were converted to the Lord.  This little band of pilgrims getting the vision of Christianity and Free Methodism built a small church where they worshiped for many years.

    On September 7, 1897, with Rev. S. Sager, District Elder, and five lay members with Rev. Alexander Smith as pastor, they held the first business meeting, establishing the Fleming Free Methodist Society.  For a period of years, they held services in the old Union Church at Unionville, as well as at Dix Run and Bush Hollow.  Through many revival efforts, many were converted.  In 1903, the society purchased from the Evangelicals a brick church, where Fleming Society worships today.

    The church in the beginning was in Clarion District of the Pittsburgh Conference.  Now it is in the Tyrone Area of the Keystone Conference.  Many who were converted to Christ in the Fleming Church have gone out and been used of God to establish other Free Methodist Churches in the district.

    During the years, the Sunday School had increased to the capacity of the church, having only the auditorium to accommodate the growing numbers.  A building committee was appointed in 1959 and voted by the society to add an educational unit.  A two-story annex measuring 30' x 60' was planned and the work of the basement began in November, 1959 by a contractor.  A greater portion of the remaining work was accomplished through the faithful members of the church, all work being donated.  The annex contained eight Sunday School rooms, a pastor's study, two restrooms, and other accommodations.

    Since 1964, when the Sunday School annex was completed, a number of major improvements have been done, such as replastering the sanctuary, organ, piano, carpet in the auditorium, new pews, baseboard hot water oil furnace, carpet in the Sunday School rooms, tables, chairs, copier, computer, roof, plus many other perhaps minor, but very important items purchased or donated by members and faithful friends of the church.

    On August 24, 1980, a new library unit was dedicated in memory of Thomas and Lutitia Wayne, who were very faithful to our church, interested in missions, and contributed greatly to our society.  The books in the library have been catalogued in the same manner as a public library making the library a wonderful addition to our church.

    Over the years, the Fleming Society had several parsonages.  The first parsonage was behind the church where the present Sunday School rooms are located.  The house was purchased when Rev. G.B. Tingue was pastor.  The deed is dated April 14, 1919.  In the early 1920's that parsonage was sold to Roy Calhoun and moved to the corner of Chestnut Street and State Route 220.  The second parsonage was purchased from Alfred and Carline (Lucas) Rishel when Rev. J.E. Kiffer was pastor.  The deed is dated November 5, 1923.  This house was torn down in 1991 and replaced with a new home while Rev. Roger Laktash was pastor.  Thanks to generous donations of time and money a Fellowship Hall has been completed in the basement of the present parsonage and was dedicated  November 11, 2001 by Pastor Christopher Wilkinson.  It is a great asset to our outreach in the community and is being used by all age groups of the church especially the youth.