A developing sense of a geographic center shifting from Skippack to Franconia was firmly established by the 1840s. In this era, progressive-minded leaders thrust beyond the protective traditional emphasis on accountability to a freer, more congregational, education-oriented, missional and innovative style of conference.
By the 1840s, there was a clear shift in the geographical focus of influence from Skippack to Franconia. This coincided with a change in leadership style, moving away from traditional accountability towards a more progressive, congregational, education-oriented, missional, and innovative approach to conferences.