Pastor Eddie is originally from Wilson, NC and grew up in Daniel’s Chapel FWB church. Although Eddie became a Christian as a child, the Lord did a great work in his heart while in college and he answered the call to ministry after graduating from NC State.

Eddie attended Mount Olive College for one year and then transferred to NC State University where he earned a BA in Accounting. He later earned a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University (Virginia Beach). Eddie is also certified as a Church Revitalization consultant. He has over 30 years of ministry experience including: two years as a campus minister at NC State, and more than 12 years as a campus minister at East Carolina University. In 1990, God called Eddie to move to Greenville, NC to aid in starting and building a non-denominational church in which he served faithfully in various roles throughout 29 years including associate/executive pastor and senior pastor.

In 2025, the Lord Jesus lead Eddie back to his home denomination, the Original Freewill Baptists and he received his ordination with the Central Conference in November of that year hosted by Marlboro Church. He served as the interim pastor at Marlboro Church for six months and became the official pastor in January 2026.

Eddie and his wife, Kathryn, have been married since 1994. The Hilliards met during Eddie’s time as a campus pastor at ECU while she was there pursing her BS in English Education. Kathryn has worked alongside Eddie throughout his ministry. She also led the Greenville Women’s Community Bible Study class as Teaching Director for the 2 years prior to their call to Marlboro Church. Eddie & Kathryn’s heart is to advance the kingdom of God in whatever way He asks them to do. Their desire is to see people find hope in the knowledge of Christ and be equipped to share Jesus with the world around them.

Eddie and Kathryn have 3 grown children and reside in Greenville, NC.