In 1927, the late Rev. W.J. Robinson and seven others founded the John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church in East Baltimore, Maryland.  Approximately 40 years after its founding, the congregation moved to 1923 Ashland Avenue near the Johns Hopkins Hospital.  Many pastors served this historic congregation, including the Reverends H. S. Roan, L.L. Hatchell, Hall, March, William Jarvey, T.P. Wilson, Charles Johnson, P. A. Thompson, Robert White, David Mitchell, Leo Watkins, A. S. Ford, J. E. Mitchell, Frederick D. Williams, Neal J. Gilchrist, Lewis M. Anthony, Arthur J. Parker, William W. Anderson, Booker Barskill and Sean Bell.

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In September 2002, Bishop Milton A . Williams, Sr. appointed the Reverend Dr. Frances Murphy Draper as the church’s first female pastor.   Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Draper (affectionately known as Pastor Toni), the ministry expanded to include a youth entertainment recording studio, GED classes, substance abuse counseling, marriage enrichment seminars, Annual Harvest Fest, outdoor services, and summer music and arts camp.  With a long history of service, a rapidly changing neighborhood, and, most importantly, a fresh vision of ministry that serves this present age, Pastor Toni and the congregation began actively seeking God’s direction regarding the name of the church, location, and ministry focus.  As only as He can, God answered.  In 2009, a new name was adopted – Freedom Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.  Shortly thereafter, the Lord opened the door for the congregation to move to the Brooklyn/Curtis Bay area.  The congregation immediately went to work serving its new community with monthly outreach activities designed to share the love of Jesus.  Spirit-filled worship services and a vibrant children’s and youth church were held every Sunday at 10:15 am.  Other ministries included Bible Study, Fresh Wind Women’s Ministry, Laborers into His Harvest Men’s ministry (last Thursday of the month), God’s Design Marriage Ministry, and Children’s and Youth Ministry.

In addition, the Freedom Temple Bible Institute, a distance learning center of Chesapeake Bible College and Seminary, offers a Diploma of Ministry, Associate of Christian Ministry Degree, Bachelor of Ministry Degree, and Master of Ministry Degree. Over two years, beginning in 2012, the congregation journeyed from Ashland Avenue in East Baltimore to Church Street in Anne Arundel County, to 10th Street and Ridgely Street, both in Baltimore City, seeking God for a permanent location to worship and headquarters our ministries. God’s peace and grace were evident through it all, and our commitment to service and ministry never wavered. During prayer and fasting during the Lenten season in March 2015, God answered and opened the door for us to purchase our permanent location, 2629 Hollins Ferry Road, Baltimore, MD 21230.  We praise God for His mighty move!  We held our inaugural service, Good Friday, March 27, 2015, at 6:45 pm. The harvest is indeed plentiful, and the members of Freedom Temple are committed to sowing seeds of love, encouragement, healing, and friendship in our surrounding neighborhood and abroad.

Upon Pastor Toni’s retirement, the Rt. Rev. W. Darin Moore appointed the Rev. Dr. R.J. Chandler Sr. as pastor in December 2022. Through his leadership, Dr. Chandler has continued the vision of Pastor Toni by building a media booth, completing a $225,000 renovation, established the “Frances “Toni” Draper Woman of the Year Award,” purchased and dedicated the Cornerstone and the Andre & Frances Toni Draper Fellowship Hall, and added new street signage.  Through preaching the Gospel, 40 new members have been added to the congregation, many souls have been converted, and six baptisms have been administrated.  The food ministry distribution has doubled, and new ministries such as the Acolytes, Social Justice, and Ballroom Dancing Fellowship were initiated.  By God’s grace and reverence of Freedom Temple AME Zion Church’s rich history, Pastor Chandler is leading the vibrant congregation into the future.  The best is yet to come.