Founding and Early Development

The Meeting Place Church was founded on February 6, 2000, in Columbia, South Carolina, by Bishop Eric J. Freeman, Ph.D., and his wife, First Lady Coleen McLennon-Freeman, along with their daughter Tyné Angela and infant son Jordane Ericson. The inaugural service was held in a classroom at Spring Valley High School, equipped only with a barstool and a Bible, marking the humble beginnings of what would grow into a major non-denominational congregation.[1]From its inception, the church emphasized core pillars of Prayer, the Word, Worship, and Fellowship, with a mission to "transform, equip, and empower" individuals and the community, drawing from biblical principles. Early services focused on creating an accessible environment for worship and spiritual growth, attracting a growing number of attendees in the Greater Columbia area.

Relocation and Building Acquisition

By 2003, the congregation had outgrown its high school venue, prompting the purchase of its first dedicated property on Flora Drive in Columbia. This move supported continued expansion and community outreach initiatives. In 2016, further growth led to the acquisition of a 23-acre campus at 201 Columbia Mall Boulevard, featuring over 215,000 square feet of facilities. The site, previously underutilized, was transformed through extensive renovations and adaptive reuse projects, including public-private partnerships that revitalized the area into spaces for worship, a banquet hall, conference centers, and community programs like a food bank.

Growth, Milestones, and Community Impact

Under Bishop Freeman's leadership, the church rapidly expanded to become one of the largest in the region, serving tens of thousands of South Carolinians annually through worship services, Bible studies, prayer calls, and outreach programs. Key milestones include the ownership of Praise 95.7 FM and 1170 AM radio station, reaching over 700,000 listeners in the Midlands since its establishment. Live services are also streamed on platforms like YouTube and Facebook sharing the message of Jesus around the world. The church has gained national recognition, with coverage in Time Magazine, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and AP News for its growth and revitalization efforts. It frequently hosts local, state, and national public officials and has been honored by the South Carolina Legislature. In 2025, on its 25th anniversary, Senate Resolution S. 295 was adopted on January 30, commending the church as a "beacon of light" in Greater Columbia. Programs in youth development, intercessory prayer, media production, and global outreach have further solidified its role in community enrichment and social impact.

Leadership

Bishop Eric J. Freeman, Ph.D., has served as our founder and senior pastor since 2000, providing visionary leadership informed by his background in workforce development and community revitalization. First Lady Coleen McLennon-Freeman supports as co-founder and leader, with the founding family continuing to guide the church's direction after 25 years.