HIS book was undertaken at the request of the Service Training Committee of the Young People’s Missionary Society of the Free Methodist Church, and is therefore especially designed for the information and inspiration of young people. However, it may be reasonably hoped that the matter herein condensed will prove of value to those who have long known most of the Story and most of the Reasons.

     The principal sources of information have been Hogue’s “History of the Free Methodist Church,” MacGeary’s “Outline History,” the Discipline, the Combined Minutes and the minutes of General Conferences of the Free Methodist Church, “The Story of Fifty Years,” by Carrie T. Burritt, books in the course of study, etc., etc.

     Grateful appreciation must be expressed to Bishop William Pearce, Miss Helen I. Root, Mrs. Jenne H. Howland and Miss Louise E. Tenney for suggestions, corrections, contributions and assistance.

     With the hope that this small volume may help to give to all of us a proper estimate of our wonderful heritage and a greater desire to pass to others the torch which we received from the hands of our fathers, this labor of love is complete.