Dorcas Freewill Baptist Church has a rich history that spans over 40 years.  Mother Evelyn Johnson founded the church in 1973. It had its beginnings from the Dorcas Charity Club, which started in the mid 1960’s. The mission for the club was to serve the community by distributing: clothes, money, food, and Thanksgiving dinners for the less fortunate.

In 1968, under the leadership of Bishop Leo Caesar, of the Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist Church, Mother Johnson answered her calling to preach the Word of God. She served on the ministerial staff for 5 years until starting her own church in 1973.

In 1973, the church purchased and moved into a two story building at Division and Gold Street. Three years later the church moved to its current location at 1932-34 Edmondson Avenue. In 1976, Dorcas Freewill Baptist became incorporated. Mother Johnson was a very active member in the community and still ran the Dorcas Charity Fund in the beginning years as pastor. During those years, it was commonly frowned upon to have a female pastor. Many times Mother Johnson was called to preach at other churches, upon learning that she was a female, some churches decided not to open its doors to her. She in turn would say a prayer outside their locked doors and leave an offering.   She always taught the importance of Charity and Love. Mother Johnson was responsible for nurturing and mentoring several pastors and leaders in Baltimore City.

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In 1992, Joseph V. Cross, her son, answered the call to preach the Word of God.  Following the example of Mother Johnson, Pastor Cross continued to reach and spread the good news, especially to those suffering from substance abuse. Under his leadership, Dorcas Freewill Baptist Church collaborated with A Step Forward Inc.

Pastor Joseph V. Cross pastored Dorcas Freewill Baptist Church from 1996-2016.

In 2016, Joseph Z. Cross, 3rd generation of Mother Johnsons’ ministerial lineage, assumed the mantle as pastor of Dorcas Freewill Baptist Church.

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Dorcas Freewill Baptist Church is a church built on Charity. There are Adult and Children Sunday School and Bible Study classes held every week. Dorcas Freewill Baptist Church believes in caring for the community. Each year the church helps families during Thanksgiving and holds a Treatment on Demand Day to assist those in need of drug and alcohol treatment. We are making plans to start a back to school yearly drive to aid families with school supplies.

Dorcas Freewill Baptist Church has come a long way with the help of God. Dorcas is still striving to touch more of the surrounding community. Come visit us, we’re a church built to serve.

“Dorcas Freewill Baptist Church, a church where Charity is Key!”

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