St. Phillip African Methodist Episcopal Church
815 N. 8th Street, Wilmington, NC  28401
Rev. Dr. Patricia L. Freeman, Pastor

The Reverend Dr. Patricia L. Freeman is a visionary leader, educator, and compassionate shepherd who has dedicated over three decades to answering God’s call. With thirty-seven years of ordained ministry, Dr. Freeman serves as the historic first female pastor of St. Phillip AME Church in the one hundred and two years it has been a part of the North Carolina Conference.

A native of Southport, North Carolina, Dr. Freeman holds a degree in Business Administration from Mount Olive College, a Master of Divinity from Campbell University School of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry from Hood Theological Seminary. Before entering full-time ministry, she spent years utilizing her sharp management skills across several Federal Government agencies, including the U.S. Air Force Project Management, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Secret Service. She is also a creative entrepreneur and former interior design business owner.

On the denominational level, Dr. Freeman serves as the Statistician for the North Carolina Annual Conference and served on the North Carolina Board of Examiners as an instructor and Secretary and served on the District Finance Commission Board. She is also a past President and Secretary of the Board of Ministers at Campbell University School of Divinity.

Dr. Freeman is happily married to Marvin E. Freeman, Sr. Together, they share the legacy of two adult sons (cherishing the memory of their eldest, who passed away in 2017), seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Her life and ministry are anchored in her favorite scripture, Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."