How it all started...
Our Story Alexandria Free Methodist Church traces its roots in the city to 1888, part of a global Wesleyan-holiness movement begun in 1860 to champion freedom in worship, abolition, and full participation for women in ministry.
By 1925, the Free Methodist congregation in Alexandria was worshiping in Old Town at 201 Prince Street (now the Athenaeum), where the building served as a Free Methodist church until 1964 before the arts association took stewardship. Archival references and photographs place a “Free Methodist Church” on Prince Street during this period.
By 1925, the Free Methodist congregation in Alexandria was worshiping in Old Town at 201 Prince Street (now the Athenaeum), where the building served as a Free Methodist church until 1964 before the arts association took stewardship. Archival references and photographs place a “Free Methodist Church” on Prince Street during this period.
Expanding the vision...
In more recent decades, God brought renewal under Rev. Douglas Cross, whom the church honored for 26 years of faithful pastoral service—years that helped stabilize and re-energize ministry for a new season.
Where we are headed...
Today AFMC is led by Pastor Ben Tolly, a longtime Free Methodist leader who served three terms as Superintendent of the Gateway Conference, guided new works and church-planting efforts across that region, and has ministered beyond the U.S. through denominational men’s ministry initiatives.
