Faith Temple No. 2
Original Free Will Baptist Church

Bishop L. N. Forbes

Pursuant to the plan of God, Limmie Nathaniel Forbes was born on October 24, 1936, in Wayne County, North Carolina.  He is the fourth of ten children born to the Late Will Scott Forbes, Sr. and Sally Melvin Forbes. He received his educational training at Eureka Elementary School, Pikesville Training School, and Hampton University.  As a young child, it was obvious that God's hand was upon his life.  At the age of nine, he accepted the divine call to become a Christian.  The Leventon Chapel Free Will Baptist Church is where Pastor Forbes received his biblical and spiritual guidance and understanding.  Pastor Forbes is still a member in good standing with Leventon Chapel.  
        Pastor Forbes sought the Lord diligently regarding God's will for his life.  After receiving the call to the ministry, Pastor Forbes preached his initial sermon in May 1959, using as a subject "You Need It and You Must Have It."  While seeking further instruction from God, he learned that the mantle of pastor had been assigned to him.  In 1959, Pastor Forbes established Faith Temple No. 1 in East Orange, NJ and in 1962, Faith Temple No. 2, now in Capitol Heights, MD. In 1978, he also established Faith Temple No. 3 in St. Paul, North Carolina.
        In 1968, Pastor Forbes was installed as the Presiding Bishop of the Original Free Will Baptist Conference, Middle Eastern District.  Bishop Forbes spearheaded the construction of the Conference Headquarters'--The L. N. Forbes Tabernacle, Wilson, North Carolina--which was dedicated in 1975.  
        Bishop Forbes is active in the religious community where he serves as General Bishop of the Original Free Will Baptist Conference of America, the Vice President of the National Convention of Free Will Baptist of USA, President of the East Orange Clergy Movement, and Past President of the prestigious Hampton University Ministers' Conference.  Bishop Forbes is nationally known and recognized having received many honorary degrees and numerous citations for meritorious service.
        Bishop Forbes was married to the late jewel and gracious J. Ramona Artis Forbes.