Educating and Preparing Men + Women for Pentecostal Ministry since 1958
Free Gospel Bible Institute
It all started with a campmeeting on a hill in Export, Pennsylvania. Free Gospel Church, Inc. held its first campmeeting in 1911 at Homestead Park. In 1925, a large plot of land in Export was donated to host the campmeeting. In the following years, a tabernacle was built and tiny white cabins began to spring up - a few of which still remain on campus.
Free Gospel Church was a small organization outside of the Bible Belt, but it was never outside of the plan of God.
The Holy Ghost spoke during a business meeting - "Arise and build!" - and since then, God has raised up over a thousand church workers, preachers, pastors, teachers, missionaries, soulwinners, and leaders.
Read the full story below
Frank Casley
Frank Casley was very influential in the early days of Free Gospel Church, Inc.
Frank left his job at the Westinghouse Corporation in 1916, and he and his brother Will stepped out in faith to preach the gospel.
In the 1961 yearbook, the William Carey quote "Attempt great things for God, expect great things from God" is presented as the motto of the Casley brothers. He passed away in 1955 and left a $10,000 settlement to Free Gospel Church, Inc.
This would be the first seed of faith sown into what would become Free Gospel Bible Institute.
"Arise and Build"
In July of 1957 the Board of Trustees met late in the night to discuss what to do with the Casley settlement. They debated over whether it was the right choice to invest the money in a tabernacle that was only used three months out of the year.
The presence of the Lord filled the room and the Holy Ghost spoke, "Arise and build!" and a second time, "Arise and build with haste, for that which is to be done must be done quickly!"
The attendees of the campmeeting began to gather at the tabernacle, sensing the Spirit was moving. This was a night to memorialize as the Spirit spoke several times, confirming that this Bible School would be a faith work that ensured anyone could come to receive training for the Pentecostal ministry.
The 1961 Yearbook records:
"We knew that here in this sacred spot young people who were called into the ministry would also be trained and sent forth by the Spirit. Tears of joy began to appear on many faces and one hardly knew what to do so great was His presence."
Free Gospel Bible Institute opened its doors in October 1958
Those Who Invested
Time and words would fail us as we attempt to thank those who have invested in Free Gospel Bible Institute. Countless men and women—many of whom may be completely unknown to us today—labored and sacrificed so that young people could train for Pentecostal ministry.
Men such as President David J. Beam, Rev. Chester Heath, and Rev. Joseph Dutka gave their all to help build this place. Their love for God, His Word, and the Pentecostal experience was evident in their teaching, preaching, and daily lives.
Numerous faculty members, including Sis. Claire (Beam) Goodwin, Rev. Gordon Beam, Rev. Frank Shaw, Rev. Ken & Sis. Connie Roles, Rev. Mike & Sis. Luann Petit, Sis. Sandra Sherwood, and Rev. Ralph & Sis. Becky Heath, invested years of dedicated ministry during the formative years of FGBI.
There are many others who gave their finances, time, prayer, wisdom, and love to this school and its students. Though every name may not be listed here, their labor and sacrifice are not forgotten.
We are deeply grateful for their investment in the Kingdom of God.
Former Presidents of FGBI
We are grateful for the leadership and vision of these men.
