DISCOVER

Meet our church—our story, our mission, and our people.

“We are a Christ-centered fellowship, welcoming and inviting all.”

“We are a Christ-centered fellowship, welcoming and inviting all.”

“We are a Christ-centered fellowship, welcoming and inviting all.”

“We are a Christ-centered fellowship, welcoming and inviting all.”

“We are a Christ-centered fellowship, welcoming and inviting all.”

“We are a Christ-centered fellowship, welcoming and inviting all.”

Our Story

A historic church with a living faith.

FBCF is an American Baptist congregation in the heart of Freehold Borough.

People come to FBCF with different backgrounds, experiences, and ways of understanding faith. Longtime members and newcomers alike gather here to worship, learn from one another, serve our neighbors, and grow together—united by a purpose that has guided us for 192 years:

to share God’s love through Jesus Christ.
A large, two-story beige house with black shutters and a red-tiled roof, surrounded by a graveyard with various tombstones and monuments in the foreground, and green trees in the background.

A Historic Start

FBC Freehold was founded in 1834. Led by pastor and evangelist Rev. James Challis, 92 members of Upper Freehold Baptist Church stepped out in faith to form a new congregation.

Our roots reached even further back—to the mid-1700s and the historic Ye Olde Yellow Meeting House.

White downward arrow icon on a blue-gray background.
White downward arrow icon on a blue-gray background.
White wooden house with pointed gable roof and Gothic-style stained glass windows, black metal railing along brick steps, and garden bushes in the front.

A Strong Foundation

The congregation first gathered in an existing building at the Baptist Cemetery on Barkalow Avenue.

Experiencing rapid growth, it moved to the corner of West Main Street and Manalapan Avenue. In 1890, the present church building was dedicated to accommodate the vibrant congregation.

White downward arrow on a gray background.
White downward arrow on a gray background.
A church interior with colorful stained glass windows depicting floral and symbolic patterns. In the foreground, there are candles and flowers on a table.

A Living Faith

For nearly two centuries, FBC Freehold has been a beacon of hope and healing in the heart of our community—a place where light fills the sanctuary and faith reaches beyond its walls.

We honor the history and traditions that shaped us, embrace our faith today, and look toward the future with a continuing commitment to love and serve our neighbors.

The journey continues … there’s a place for you.

White downward arrow icon on a blue-gray background.
White downward arrow icon on a blue-gray background.

Our Ministry Team

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  • Pastor J. is grateful for the ways God continues to call diverse people into the beauty and blessing of community! He looks forward to welcoming you to FBCF, as you “Step into the Story” of Jesus who offers His relentless grace to all of God’s children!

Senior Pastor

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  • Jen joined FBCF in 2021 as our Minister of Music, faithfully leading our choir and musicians. She has 20+ years experience in music education and a fervent passion for encouraging worship amongst the congregation.

Minister of Music

Close-up of a smiling woman with blonde hair, blue eyes, wearing a white V-neck top and gold jewelry, standing in front of leafy green plants.
Close-up of a smiling woman with blonde hair, blue eyes, wearing a white V-neck top and gold jewelry, standing in front of leafy green plants.

  • Allie joined FBCF in 2026 as our office manager. She answers your calls, puts together our newsletters and programs, and supports the rest of staff in so many outstanding ways!

Administrative Assistant

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A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and bangs smiling outdoors with a bushy green background.

  • Gretchen joined our staff in 2026 as our Digital Media Specialist. She brings a creative spirit to all endeavors and is passionate about helping churches best serve their congregations and communities in the current culture.

Digital Media Specialist