Rev. Dr. Anthony J. Freeman is a devoted servant of God and a dedicated leader in both the church and the community. A native of Middletown, Connecticut, he accepted his calling to ministry at the young age of 16 and preached his trial sermon at 17. His journey in ministry has been marked by faith, service, and a deep commitment to spreading the Gospel.

On October 6, 1999, Dr. Freeman was ordained in the A.M.E. Zion Church by Bishop George W. C. Walker, Sr. in Albany, NY. He later received his second ordination as an Elder on November 2, 2002, by the late Cecil Bishop in the Western North Carolina Conference. His pastoral journey began on October 30, 1999, when he was appointed to lead Ardis Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Salisbury, NC. Since then, he has faithfully served congregations at St. John A.M.E. Zion Church (Mocksville, NC), Smyre's Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church (Catawba, NC), Coulter's Grove A.M.E. Zion Church (Newton, NC), and Sandy Ridge A.M.E. Zion Church (Landis, NC). Today, he continues his ministry as the appointed pastor of Clinton Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church in Hickory, NC.

Dr. Freeman has pursued extensive theological and academic training. He earned an Associate's Degree in Applied Science from Briarwood Jr. College in Southington, CT, and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. He further deepened his theological studies, obtaining a Master of Divinity and later a Doctorate in Ministry from Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, NC.

Beyond his pastoral duties, Dr. Freeman is an active leader in the Hickory community. In February 2023, he was unanimously appointed by the Hickory City Council to fill the Ward 4 vacancy. In November 2023, he was officially elected as the 4th Ward City Councilman. Dr. Freeman has also been elected and sworn in as the Mayor Pro Tempore for calandar year 2025, continuing his commitment to public service.

Dr. Freeman is blessed to share his life and ministry with his wife, Denice Freeman, whom he married in 2012. Together, they are proud parents of five wonderful children. His faith, leadership, and dedication continue to inspire those he serves, and he remains committed to uplifting both his congregation and the broader community.