Frequently Asked Questions

-Where are you located?
We are located at 400 E Freemason Street in Norfolk, Virginia.  Our building is in the heart of downtown between Chrysler Hall and Macarthur Center Mall.   We hope this won't keep you from coming and growing with us!

-What time are your services?
Bible Study (Sunday School) takes place Sunday mornings at 9:45 AM, followed by worship at 11:00 AM.

-What is your worship style like?
Our style of worship is what might be defined as “relaxed formal.” The atmosphere is warm and caring, while in both architecture and liturgy we seek the mystery and awe of God’s presence and the love and grace we know through Jesus Christ. From the classical tradition, music is uplifting and high quality, and sermons seek to relate biblical truths to contemporary living. It is a unique blend of worship styles:  as most Baptists do, we gather to sing hymns, hear the reading and preaching of the Word of God, issue an invitation to make a public profession of faith, and practice believer's baptism.  Yet we also draw from the wider Christian tradition as we follow the seasons of the church year (such as Advent, Lent, and Pentecost) and use traditional symbols, paraments, colors, acolytes, litanies, and rituals to draw the whole person into a meaningful encounter with God. 

-What do people wear to church?
You will see people at Freemason Street in everything from suits to jeans!  Most people choose to dress up somewhat for church, but you will see people in more casual clothing as well.

-You're Baptist? What kind of Baptist are you, anyway?
For many years our congregation has chosen to affiliate with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, a theologically moderate fellowship of churches ministering in Christ’s name across the country. At the state level we partner with the Baptist General Association of Virginia, and locally with the Norfolk Area Baptist Association.  We honor traditional Baptist principles of soul freedom, church freedom, and religious freedom.  Yet within our church you will find individuals of all backgrounds who, though diverse in their faith experiences, have encountered God here and found in Freemason Street a place of welcome to call home. 

-Do you provide childcare?
Yes!  We have a trained nursery worker and trained nursery volunteers to care for children birth to age three during Sunday School and worship, as well as on Wednesday nights.  Our older preschool and younger elementary students are invited to attend the first half of worship with their parents, then leave for a special children’s church time during the sermon.

-What kind of Sunday School classes do you have?
All sorts!  Our four ongoing adult Sunday School classes run the gamut in age range and teaching style, and we also offer short-term classes throughout the year on a variety of topics.  Our classes are welcoming and a great venue for discussion and spiritual growth!  Our youth and children have wonderful teachers with age-appropriate instruction as well.  Other opportunities for spiritual growth occur on Wednesday nights and throughout the week.

If you have other questions, do not hesitate to call us at 757-625-7579, or to email any member of the church staff.  Please browse the rest of our website to learn about more of the missions and ministries that help make Freemason Street such a vibrant family of faith!