The history of Snow Hill Free Will Baptist Church is like the history of many other old Churches in Duplin County. There is a time in the history of the Church that will probably never be recovered. It cannot be exactly determined when the Church was organized, but we do know that it is about the first or second oldest Free Will Baptist Church in this area or in Duplin County.

In the "History of the Free Will Baptist in North Carolina", we have the account that the Annual Conference was asked in 1830 to meet at the Probability Free Will Baptist Church in 1831. This date is the oldest recorded date pertaining to this Church. It is thought that the Church was much older due to the fact that it was strong enough to have or ask for the Annual Conference of Free Will Baptists in North Carolina to meet at the Church.

In the Duplin County record books, there is a gift recorded to a Church of one acre of land in the year of 1853. It is believed that the Church stood a long time near what is now Woodland Methodist Church.

In those days, Churches were not built for comfort as our Churches are today. The pews were no more than hard wood benches that were very uncomfortable. There was a section near the pulpit where the men sat and was often called the "Amen Corner". In front of the pulpit was a long bench known as the "mourner's bench". Worship services were also different from today. There was more singing, more praying and the sermons were longer. There were services only once a month, thus the people rather enjoyed the long services.

There are minutes of the Church dating back to 1900. Elder Haskell Jones was the earliest recorded pastor dating back before 1894. In November 1893, the Church voted to move the Church from Probability Church to Kornegay's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. The Church prospered here for a few years, but there was a community beginning to flourish nearby and in 1908 the Church was organized at it's current location by Elders Henry Cunningham and A.E. Rouse presiding. The first baptismal service was held on Monday April 13, 1908. There were eight converts baptized.

It was not recorded in the minutes that Kornegay's Chapel was officially moved but it is probable that the members made a gradual change. However, there is a record that the funds were turned over to Snow Hill Free Will Baptist Church in 1908.

The first musical instrument to be obtained was an organ bought from Mr. I. T. Bishop in 1912 for $11.19. Another organ was purchased in 1951 and a piano in 1959. We,ve had a few since then. LOL

In the early years, there was no Sunday School but later Sunday School was held at night and only in the summer months when it was warm weather. Finally, the change was made to a morning school. In 1938, the Church built two new Sunday School rooms. There were two more added in 1948. The vestibule was built in 1950. The Church was underpinned and new windows were installed in 1952. In 1957, the interior of the Church was remodeled. During the year in 1961, three more Sunday School rooms were added along with two bathrooms. New pews were purchased in 1962 and the sanctuary was carpeted in 1964. A Baptistry was installed in 1967 with an artist painted mural of the Jordan River.

In 1969, the Church built it's first parsonage located beside the Church. The Rev. Leon Grubbs and his family were the first occupants of the residence. Upon the employment of Leon Grubbs, the Church began full time services. In 1978, a fellowship hall was built which included additional restrooms and a kitchen. The fellowship hall was connected to the main building by a carport.

A new piano was purchased in 1986 and the old piano was moved to the fellowship hall. The steeple was added to the Church in 1991 and a storage building was added to the fellowship hall in 1994. The paving of the parking lot was completed in 1998. In September 1999, Hurricane Floyd hit our area with tremendous force. The Church sustained serious damage to the roof. A new roof was required and other improvements were made to the sanctuary. The Church purchased the property behind the main sanctuary in 2000.

The Church has grown over the years and has numerous programs for the Youth and Adults as well as an active Music Ministry. "Heart of the Church Ministries" was started in 2006.

We are ever thankful to the Father for His wonderful blessings within our Church. Our history continues, and we look forward to the 21st century by planning great and wonderful things for the continuance of His Kingdom and the Praise of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.