free church

[ free church ]

noun

1. (sometimes initial capital letters) a church free from state control. Compare established church.
2. (sometimes initial capital letters) a dissenting or nonconforming church.
3. (initial capital letters) Also Free Kirk []. (in Scotland) the church established by those who left the Church of Scotland in 1843.

Free Church

noun

1. 1. any Protestant Church, esp the Presbyterian, other than the Established Church
   2. ( as modifier )

      Free-Church attitudes

Word History and Origins

Origin of free church¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

The Free Church party, to which he belonged, was rich in eminent men at the great crisis.

From Project Gutenberg

They will have to do for (say) ten years what the laymen of the Free Church have done cheerfully ever since 1843.

From Project Gutenberg

There are several Free Church services conducted in the city, but the buildings are not of any special character.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Murray, of the Scotch Free Church, bravely struggled on.

From Project Gutenberg

The first of these great inland missions was established by the Free Church of Scotland.

From Project Gutenberg