Free Indeed Ministries Inc.
We LOVE You & There's NOTHING You Can Do About It!
About Free Indeed Ministries Inc.
OUR HISTORY.
Free Indeed Ministries, Incorporated was birthed by Bishop Davis in 2005. At the time, he was the Assistant Pastor of St. Matthews Baptist Church in Bishopville, MD, where he had been since 1998. In the beginning of 2006, God spoke to Bishop Davis, during a Sunday afternoon Communion service, that it was his time to pastor, which prompted Bishop Davis to start looking for a building to start the ministry. With many obstacles in his way, during the search for a building, Bishop Davis persevered.
Finally, an opportunity for a building presented itself. On Saturday, June 3, 2006, Bishop Davis, First Lady Davis, and several original members of Free Indeed met at 426A West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD to look at the building that would be used for the church. The space was at the end of a convenience store. After looking at the building and deciding that it could be transformed into a place of worship, Bishop Davis spoke with the landlord about renting the building. As Bishop Davis went forward, the favor of God went with him, and resulted in the news that: the building was now ours; the rent had been lowered; and the first payment was not due until September. The following week, work began on the building. Bishop Davis already had church pews and other furniture, and despite a lack of musical instruments and a sound system, God later used his people to bless the ministry with these items, as well as, financial support.
On Sunday, July 9, 2006 at 5 PM, the first service was held at Free Indeed Baptist Church, located at 426A W. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD, under the leadership of (then) Reverend Elbert C. Davis, Pastor and Founder. The first sermon he preached, at this location, was entitled: Do you really know who you are walking and talking with? (Luke 24: 13-35). Services were held at 5 PM for the next two months.
God blessed this ministry from the very beginning by sending individuals to financially bless and sow seeds into the vision. Bishop Davis would share the good news during the offering, which still happens today!
The first Church Mother was the late Anna Fooks, the first Usher was Minister Janice Bratten, the first Musician and Church Administrator was Elder Anthony Murray, and the first Children were Elijah Davis and Naje Ewell. Although initially all of the members could be seated on one pew, the Lord continued to bless the ministry with the addition of new members. Despite being small in number, there was unity and love among us, so God continued to show His favor toward the ministry. The Lord also gave Bishop Davis the motto for the church; a motto that was often quoted and recited by members from time to time: The strength of Free Indeed Ministries depends upon the character of its members to withstand the pressures that come to tear us apart.
The first revival services at Free Indeed were held from August 31st through September 3, 2006. The theme for the revival was "It's a New Beginning." The first Sunday morning service was held on September 3, 2006 at 11 AM.
In 2007, the ministry became incorporated, receiving our 501c3 status. At this time, the name of the church was changed from Free Indeed Baptist Church to Free Indeed Ministries, Inc. Due to the growth of the ministry, it became evident that a larger facility was needed. So, on December 17, 2008, God blessed the ministry to be able to purchase property and a building for the church at 418 W. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD. This building was a former car dealership, paint shop and pallet company, but God used Bishop Davis to transform the building into a beautiful edifice.
On Sunday, April 19, 2009, the members marched from the previous location (426A W. Market Street) to the new location (418 W. Market Street) Once again, God continued to show His favor. On May 16, 2009, Pastor Davis was elevated to the office of Bishop. In 2011, the Free Indeed Covenant Ministries was established and in December of that same year, the Lord blessed the ministry to lease a building on Tingle Street in Snow Hill, MD for the purpose of a Children's Church and a Fellowship Hall.
On January 18, 2018, the mortgage of Free Indeed Ministries, Inc. was PAID IN FULL! What was originally a 20-year mortgage, God allowed to be paid off in 9 years and 2 months! During this milestone anniversary, we look back and see from whence God has brought this ministry. All we can say is: WE HAVE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH!
And the best is yet to come...
Weekly Services:
Sunday School: 9 AM
Sunday Morning Worship: 10 AM
Bible Study: Every Thursday at 7 PM
