About Us

The Freedom Missionary Baptist Church is a caring and active  church located in the friendly community of Altheimer.  We are located just 10 minutes north of Pine Bluff, AR. 

Freedom has over 200 members.  We offer worship services each Sunday, along with various weekday services. 

Church History

The word Church is derived from the Greek word “EKKLESIA’, which means “called out”, so the church of the true and living God means a body of believers, called out unto Christ and separated from the world. 

On February 6, 1995, God placed a vision on the heart of one His messengers.  In doing this He (God) called out a body of believers to share this vision.  Driven by the compassion of the sprit of God walking by faith and standing on the word of God, the Freedom Missionary Baptist Church was organized.

The first meeting was held in the Wabbaseka Community Center on Wednesday, February 8, 1995.  During this meeting, 46 charter members were present.  The first worship service was held Sunday, February 12, 1995 in the Community Center.  This service was tremendously blessed by God adding to the Church.

The Church had its first business meeting on February 12, 1995.  During this meeting, the founder of the church, the Rev. Brian Dodson was unanimously supported as the Church’s Pastor.

The first Sectary was Sis. Dorothy Watts and the assistant Secretary was Sis. Pamela Flowers.  The following were the first Trustee: Bro. Harry Freeman, Sis. Pamela Flowers, Sis. Frankie James, Sis. Sharon Reams, Rev. Cecil Roberts and Bro. Walter Watts.

The Lord then blessed the Church to pursue purchasing property to build a place to worship.  Through the effort of Sis. Rosie Graydon, Sis. Rose Washington, Sis. Willie Mae Smith and Rev. Roy Thomas, we were informed that there was 3.5 acres of land in Altheimer for sale.  The Lord then bless the Church to purchase the property form Lawrence Fratesi.  This ground was the future building site for the Freedom Missionary Baptist Church.  On October 22, 1995, ground – breaking ceremonies were held and the preparation on the land began.  The site was raised to meet flood standards.  The slab was poured and the dream was becoming a reality.  D & J Steel erected the building and with the Rev. Roy Thomas as head carpenter along with Rev. Cecil Roberts, Bro. Orlando Love, Bro. Michael Graydon, Bro. Kearney Thomas, Bro. Harry Freeman, Bro. Anthony Allen and Bro. Robert Love, the interior construction began.  It was tough transforming with the mind what Bro. Johnny Washington had architecturally designed.  But after eight long months, and by the mighty hand on God, we were able to hold our first worship service in our new edifice on Sunday, July 21, 1996.  The first sermon given by Pastor Dodson was titled “IT’S TIME FOR HEALING”.  The Dedicatory Services were held November 20^th through November 24, 1996.

God blessed Freedom to take many steps towards Kingdom building.  In the past year (1999) we instituted the following ministries: Singles and Couples Ministry, Youth Ministry, Transportation Ministry and a Leadership Training Class. We have made it or mission to be seekers of lost souls and to do whatever it takes (without compromising the gospel) to see souls converted and lives changed.

God has demonstrated how He blesses his people when they walk by faith and not by sight.  What at one time seemed impossible faith has made into reality.