Our Church History

          The beginning of what is now Freedom Baptist Church started in November of 1835 at the home of John McIntire. The following month they met at the James Galey home officers were chosen and membership roster was approved. May 1838 a lot was chosen on the Caleb Conner property to build a 24 by 34 foot building with 11 foot ceilings. In 1882 it was decided to replace the building with a new one 34 by 54 at a cost of 2500 dollars. The new building was completed in 1883. It is still the center of the church to this day. In 1927 a basement, furnace, and seats were added.1947 a dormer entrance was added to the basement. 1953 rooms were added to the east end of the church for Sunday School class rooms. In 1983 two more rooms were added to the west end of the church for a pastors study and conference room.

Many good and positive things have happened at Freedom Baptist Church in her long period of existence.  Three times people from Freedom have established Baptist Churches in Waveland.  The Browns Valley Baptist Church was an outgrowth of the Freedom Baptist Church.  Freedom for many years was considered the "Mother Church" of the Freedom Association.  Numerous licensed and ordained ministers got their start at Freedom Baptist Church.  Some have served as Church pastors, some as evangelists, and some as missionaries. Such names as Dr. Carlyle Scott a noted evangelist, Darrell Hockersmith a minister who soon became a missionary in Africa with a mission near Lubango Angola, Africa, Phillip Hodgkin who preached in Kentucky and Indiana. Just to name three. 

The membership has always seen to it that there has been an attractive, comfortable place to assemble for worship.  But perhaps, the most lasting, durable and steadfast characteristic of the Church has been her ability to cope.  Adversity, trying times, declining attendance, internal turmoil, dwindling funds, factional differences, theological squabbles, and questionable leadership have all been problems in this Church's past.  She still stands with devoted, faithful, God-fearing, compassionate, concerned members who attend regularly and support her in prayer, spirit, and giving.

Yes, Freedom has a rich heritage and a bright future.  It is hoped that this account of her past will be an inspiration to her future leaders to carry on in the style that has brought this little country Church of Saintly Believers along the path of progress that has been her heritage to date.