Reverend Dr. George A. Fitzgerald, Pastor and Organizer
Reverend Dr. George A. Fitzgerald is a good leader who knows the way, and goes the way and shows the way. He is the son of Evangelist Louise (Fitzgerald) Griffin and the late James Fitzgerald. He was born in McKenney, VA. The family moved to Hopewell, VA where he graduated from the Carter G. Woodson High School. He later moved to Washington, D.C. where he united with the Central Baptist Church in 1974 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Henry S. Moore. Here he served as a Sunday School Teacher, on the Financial Committee, Male Chorus, Missionary Society, Beautification Club, and Board of Directors. In 1975, he was ordained to the Board of Deacons.
Dr. Fitzgerald was called to preach the Gospel. After constant prayer and meditation, he accepted the call. He was licensed by Pastor Moore in June 1978, and ordained on January 3, 1981.
Dr. Fitzgerald graduated from the Washington Baptist Theological Seminary in June 1982, and the American Academy of Bereavement in May 1999. He also received an Honorary Doctor Degree in Humane Letter from the Faith Christian University and School, May 2002. In May 2007, he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology from the Washington Baptist Theological Seminary; and in March 2008, he received a Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology from Rochville University.
Dr. Fitzgerald served as Pastor of the Good Hope Baptist Church in King George, VA from March 1981 to January 1988. He was commissioned by God to organize the Freedom Way Baptist Mission, and on February 14, 1988, the first service was held.
Dr. Fitzgerald is a religious educator, an astounding preacher, and a profound leader. Under his leadership, nine ministers have been licensed to preach the Gospel; and two were catechized and ordained at Freedom Way Missionary Baptist Church.
Freedom Way burned its church mortgage in July 2002, and currently own three additional properties. He organized and oversees seventeen ministries and five choirs while serving the Lord through feeding, clothing, and ministering to God’s people. The splendor of his dynamic personality is one who is faithful to his calling, has love for all of mankind and exalts his followers to put Christ first in their lives.
Dr. Fitzgerald is a man with a vision and whose steps are ordered by the Lord. He volunteers his time to assist with numerous causes to further Christ’s work through organizational development. Dr. Fitzgerald is on the Board of Directors for the Mt. Bethel Baptist Association, and the Wilbert Waters School of Religion. He is presently a member of the Baptist Ministers Conference, The National Baptist Convention, the Prince George's Baptist Association, the Collective Banking Association, the Suitland Citizens Association, and the Coral Hills Merchants Association. He is also a member of PUPS (Pastors United in Prayer and Sharing), where he has served as President and Vice President.
Dr. Fitzgerald has received numerous awards during his ministry including Letters of Congratulations from Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama; a Proclamation and a Citation from the Governor of Maryland; Certificate of Appreciation from the NAACP; a Citation from a Maryland State Senator; and several other awards from the Prince George’s County Government for Community involvement; and the Charles H. Churn Achievement Award for dedicated religious leadership in the Church and community. These and other awards are reflective of Dr. Fitzgerald’s commitment to put Christ, and the community he serves, first.
He was blessed to be married to the love of his life who transitioned into glory in 2015, the former Sarah Blandshaw of Raleigh, NC. He is the proud parent of five children, grandfather of seven, and great grand father of seven. Dr. Fitzgerald currently resides in Suitland, Maryland.