Our Story...
Our journey began in April 1861, when B.T. Roberts gathered 38 members to form the Batavia Society of Free Methodism. With hope and purpose, the society purchased the Holland Land Office in 1880. But by 1890, attendance had dwindled, and the Batavia Society was declared ‘dead.’
Yet, the story didn’t end there. Watson Bullock, an ex-slave, continued to hold meetings at another location. By 1893, the Batavia Society was revived and purchased a church building at Linwood and Ellicott Streets.
The church thrived, and by 1964-65, it had grown so much that the congregation moved to a new home at 350 Bank Street—now our Northgate Youth & Community Center. By 1998, our attendance swelled to around 300, and in 2002, we took another big step, purchasing the property at 8160 Bank Street Road, where we continue to grow and serve today.
Yet, the story didn’t end there. Watson Bullock, an ex-slave, continued to hold meetings at another location. By 1893, the Batavia Society was revived and purchased a church building at Linwood and Ellicott Streets.
The church thrived, and by 1964-65, it had grown so much that the congregation moved to a new home at 350 Bank Street—now our Northgate Youth & Community Center. By 1998, our attendance swelled to around 300, and in 2002, we took another big step, purchasing the property at 8160 Bank Street Road, where we continue to grow and serve today.
Our Mission…
Our mission is to “Bring people to Jesus Christ, Build them up in that relationship and Send them out to share His love." Below are our eight values we consider to be most important in the way we conduct our ministry at Northgate; that set our direction, guide our decisions and characterize our behavior and attitudes.
Biblical
We read the Bible to know who God is, who we are
and how we can glorify God in our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Relational
We value relationship that are characterized by honesty, openness, and vulnerability. James 5:16
Christ-Like
We seek to cooperate with God's Holy Spirit in order to grow
more like Jesus through the course of our lives. Galatians 2:20
Missional
We look for ways to share the love of Jesus in our local community and around the world. Acts 1:8
Worshipful
We gather together to offer God our praise and devotion through song, scripture, prayer, and fellowship. Psalm 150:6
Caring
We express our love of God by loving others as we are loved by Him.
Sharing our lives and being a blessing to those around us. Galatians 6:2
Prayerful
We maintain a continual conversation with God about our joys and sorrows, blessing and needs
- always trusting in His wisdom and grace. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Intergenerational
We celebrate the gathering of all ages as they support one another in growing in Christ. Psalm 145:4
Resources
Learn more about the doctrine and beliefs of the
Free Methodist Church.
Free Methodist Church.