Freedom Baptist Church

 

The formation of Freedom Baptist Church began with the founder and pastor, Reverend Davey Locklear.  Rev. Davey Locklear, while a member of Faith of Calvary Baptist Church, had a vision from God to begin and pastor a church.  With the vision and the support from his family, he rented a building on Wire Grass Road in Lumberton, North Carolina.  This is where Freedom Mission held its first meeting on the first Sunday in July of 1995 with approximately forty people in attendance.

 

Piney Grove Baptist Church, of Fairmont, North Carolina and Riverside Independent Baptist Church, of Lumberton, North Carolina, both played a significant role in the establishment of Freedom Baptist Church.  Piney Grove Baptist Church became the mother church for Freedom Mission.  The pastor, Reverend Crafton Chavis, and Ms. Patricia Hunt, a charter member, were important leaders in the organization of Freedom Mission.  Ms. Hunt oversaw the first conference held to nominate members to fill church positions.  She has continued to be a financial supporter, leader, and member of the church.  Rev. Chavis was a participant in the ordination of Rev. Davey Locklear.  Riverside Independent Baptist Church contributed a piano and many other donations.  Bro. James Chesley McNeil, a member of Riverside Independent Baptist Church, and others volunteered one Sunday a month to teach the Adult Sunday School Class.

 

As the church attendance grew the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association allowed Freedom Mission to use mobile units, owned by the Association, while the planning and completion of the first church building was in process.  The original three-acre tract of land was purchased from Troy, Charles, and George Taylor and Carolyn Allen for $12,000. 

 

The settlement date for the purchase of the land was May 10, 1996. By August of 1997, the construction process had begun with the help of the pastor, church members, and many volunteers.  A $250,000 church constructed of block and stucco, size 40 by 100, was surprisingly completed less than two years from when the church site was purchased.  On the first Sunday in March of 1998, Freedom Baptist Church held its first church service in the newly constructed building.  In September of 1998, the church purchased an additional five and one half acres of land for $18,650 for future extensions or additions.  This purchase was made from the same owners as before.

 

Many important individuals have held positions at Freedom Baptist Church:  Rev. Davey Locklear has served as the pastor since the founding of the church, July of 1995, until the present.  His family supports him.  Sunday School Directors have been as follows:  September 1995-November 1996, Bro. Mark Carter; November 1996-March 1999, Bro. Derek Hunt; and March 1999-present, Bro. Mark Carter.  Assistants to this position have been Bro. Willie Hunt (April 1997-May 1998) and Bro. Kenny Caryle (March 1999-present). 

 

Church clerks have included the following:  September 1995-April 1997, Sis. Linda Locklear; April 1997-June 1998, Bro. Henry Brewer; and June 1998-present, Deatra Locklear.  Bro. Locklear also served as assistant clerk from April 1997-June 1998.  Church treasures have included the following:  March 1996-April 1998, Bro. Hughes Acosta and April 1998-present, Rev. Davey Locklear.  Rev. Locklear also served as assistant treasurer from April 1997-June 1998.  The following have served as church deacons: Bro. Deatra Locklear since May of 1998 until present; Rev. Derek Hunt since May of 1998 until March of 1999; 

 

Rev. Willie Hunt was ordained by Freedom Baptist Church on October 4, 1998 and Rev. Derek Hunt was licensed by Freedom Baptist Church on November 1, 1998

 

The church congregation has successfully worked together on many different projects.  The church has sponsored Ms. Melinda Locklear who served as a missionary in Oklahoma for several years.  Organization of the church and activities include the Freedom Baptist Adult Choir and Freedom Baptist Children's Choir, a weekly witnessing team, distribution of baskets to the elderly in rest homes, an annual hayride, and many other outreach ministries.

 

The church adopted a constitution on June 28, 1997. A significant factor in the life of the church has been the growth of church attendance from eight to ten members per Sunday to approximately seventy. The only paid church staff at this time is a couple, church members, who serve as full-time custodians. 

 

Future plans for the church include the expansion of classrooms and a fellowship hall.  Hopes are also to build a Christian school for all ages.