During the 1918 Spanish Influenza, Free Methodists around the country used The Free Methodist paper to give reports about what was happening in their area. The following are entries from various people and churches.

October 15 – Cannelton, Indiana reports that they were forced to close their tabernacle meeting on account of the Influenza. Click here to read the full report.

October 22 – All annual board meetings regularly held at the Free Methodist Publishing house in Chicago, IL are postponed. This included the Executive Committee of the Free Methodist Church of North America, FM Board of Education, FM Board of Charities and Benevolences, Executive Committee of the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society, FM General Missionary Board, FM General Sunday School Board, Association and Board of Trustees of the Chicago Industrial Home for Children, FM Board of Church Extension.

October 22, 1918 Free Methodist

October 29 - An article in The Free Methodist, “In behalf of our Pastors,” urges stewards and class leaders to take up collections for their pastor due to “The closing of the churches nearly all over the country on account of the prevalence of the Spanish Influenza."

November 19 - The FM editors ask readers to please shorten obituaries due to the volume that were coming in each week.

[After checking obituaries during this time, we notice an increase from six deaths related to Spanish Influenza on 11-12-18 to 17 deaths related to Spanish Influenza by 12-24-18.]

November 19 - Union Hill, New York pastor reports that he had only been at this church for three weeks and barely settled when he was taken ill with influenza, pneumonia, etc. for 6 weeks. He stated that without any suggestions his salary had been paid and food had been brought into the cellar and pantry. He asked for prayer that his strength return speedily so he could again preach the gospel and endeavor to win souls.

November 26 - Oskaloosa, Iowa Free Methodist Church reports - “Due to the epidemic and quarantine we have had no church services for five weeks. The epidemic is still raging. A number of the people have been sick with the influenza, but thus far all seem to be recovering, for which we praise our Heavenly Father.”

In December death comes to the Marston family. We will cover this In a future FM History Update.

The Spanish Flu did not end the work of God and this current pandemic will not stop our work! If you’ve enjoyed reading these entries from The Free Methodist would you consider a donation today to help us stay on track for this year?

The quarantine has not stopped us from needing to raise 1/3 of our total budget. Many of us have received stimulus checks and are sending in a tithe on that. Would you join us in that? Please give online or mail a check today. Thank you!