Reverend Dennis H. Freeman

The Reverend Dennis H. Freeman, born March 6, 1940, was the second son born to the late Mrs. Ora and Mr. Leonard Freeman. He grew up in a loving home where he was taught the importance of integrity, hard work, accountability, and faith in God. These lessons became the hallmark of his life and ministry.

His life was a life marked by a love for music. From a very young age his undeniable talent was evident to all who knew and loved him. Reverend Freeman was a child prodigy. When he was around 5 years old, he was granted a keyboard scholarship from the Jordan School of Music. This was the beginning of a remarkable life of song and service to others. He grew up during the hallowed Indiana Avenue era. Surrounded by examples of Black musical excellence, young Dennis thrived and gained much inspiration.

He graduated from Shortridge High School in 1956 at the tender age of 16.

Reverend Freeman spent most of his early years in Indianapolis where he served many churches. He served as a leader in many circles of Gospel music and was a favorite among many legendary Gospel Super Stars. In 1974 he relocated to Columbus, Ohio where he continued serving the Lord by establishing the Universal Church of Faith and the Dennis H. Freeman Community Choir. He later became Director of Gospel music at St. Dominic Catholic Church. After 30 years of dedicated service,

Reverend Freeman retired from the United States Department of Defense.

Rev. Freeman returned to Indianapolis in 2000 and attended Martin University, Indiana’s only Historically Black College and University. He graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He earned a Master of Arts degree in 2010. These terminal degrees only affirmed the God given talents that were already evident and at work inside of him.

In him, we find the embodiment of the words first spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of St. Matthew 5:16, wherein Jesus says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Reverend Dennis H. Freeman certainly did just that!

For more than a half century, the musical and ministerial gifts of Reverend Freeman made a profound impact on the lives of thousands of people. His compositions have been performed by Church groups all over the country and abroad. His quintessential style, mastery of nuance, and Pastoral approach to interpretation set him apart from many of his peers. With his passing comes the end of an era of musical giants whose gifts and influence shaped an entire generation of vocalists, ministry leaders, and practitioners.

To friends and acquaintances alike, he would gladly share stories about the “Golden Years” of Gospel and of his numerous opportunities to meet and play alongside such luminaries as the Reverend James Cleveland, Roberta Martin, Mahalia Jackson, and so many others.

Reverend Freeman was a friend to people and Pastors. With every Church he served, his gifts of care and compassion for others were evident. Of the many places he served in his later years, Witherspoon Presbyterian Church became a bedrock for him, a place that honored his gifts and offered him a consistent platform to both do what he loved and be loved by others. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Reverend Freeman risked his own health and wellbeing by traveling to Witherspoon each week to play for a special broadcast called, “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” There he could be found stately and humbly perched at the piano, effortlessly evoking the Presence of God and serenading the human heart with sacred melodies. Because of him, many people found hope again and were reminded of the steadfast Love of God.

Through Witherspoon and a dear friend, Mrs. Keesha Dixon, who now serves as the Director of Community Engagement and Evangelism at Witherspoon, his last major recording was completed. Thanks to Dr. John Kay, the Director of Traditional Arts Indiana, and a myriad of other partners, the sacred songs on his “Sweet Hour of Prayer” CD will forever be a testament to his musical genius and dedication to the Lord.

He was a friend and mentor to countless young musicians. He never shied away from an opportunity to help somebody else. He often remarked to Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones, his dear friend and Senior Pastor of Witherspoon, that he found the purpose of his life in the words of the great hymn, “If I Could Help Somebody.”

If I can help somebody, as I travel along

If I can help somebody, with a word or song

If I can help somebody, from doing wrong

No, my living shall not be in vain

No, my living shall not be in vain

If I can help somebody, as I'm singing the song

You know, my living shall not be in vain

Reverend Freeman was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Ora and Leonard, and his brother, Leonard Freeman. He is survived by his loving sister Mrs. Cheryl Grinston-Ford, nieces Mrs. Lenora Reid, Mrs. Micky Pollard, Mrs. Jody Cole, nephew Mr. James Bishop, and cousins, Mr. Herman Lawson Slaughter III, Mr. Bryona Slaughter, Mr. Eric Slaughter, and a host of other cousins, great nieces and great nephews.

Even more, he leaves behind hundreds of lives changed, thousands of laughs shared, innumerable moments of joy experienced, and the blessed assurance of knowing that the life of the Reverend Dennis H. Freeman was certainly “not in vain.”

A memorial visitation for Dennis will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Witherspoon Presbyterian Church, 3535 W Kessler Blvd N Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46222, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 AM.