PASTOR FREDDIE B. CARPENTER, JR.

Rev. Freddie B Carpenter, Jr. is a native of Nashville, Tennessee where he was raised by his late parents Freddie B. Carpenter, Sr. and Bertha Lee Carpenter, along with three brothers and a sister. Rev. Carpenter graduated from Cameron High School in Nashville and went on to pursue further education at Tennessee State University, Emmanuel Bible College and American Baptist College. A gifted singer, Rev. Carpenter recorded, performed and worked as an executive in the music industry before entering full-time ministry.

Rev. Carpenter grew up as a member of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church (Nashville) and later joined Community Baptist Church (Nashville) under the leadership of Rev. Charles Dickson. In 1977, Rev. Carpenter answered the call to become the Pastor of Edmondson Chapel in Brentwood, TN (currently located in Nashville). Rev. Carpenter led the congregation in the construction of a new worship edifice and served as pastor there for 11 years. In 1988, Rev. Carpenter accepted the call to be the Pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in the Walter Hill Community of Murfreesboro, TN.

Rev. Carpenter led Bethel through two building projects as well as the establishment of many ministries that are still serving Bethel and the Walter Hill community to this day. He has served in various capacities in local, state and national Baptist conventions including two terms as Moderator of the Smithfork District Association. He has developed many preachers throughout his ministry, several of whom have gone on to successfully lead other congregations.

In 2018, Pastor Carpenter announced his intentions to retire as Pastor of Bethel after serving for 30 years! After a total of 42 years of pastoral leadership, Rev. Carpenter has been a faithful servant to God’s kingdom and God’s people! Bethel honors him as Pastor Emeritus.

Rev. Carpenter resides with his wife Melba Carpenter in Nashville, TN.