Celebrating the Journey

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the House of the Lord. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the House of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.” We can imagine that these passages of scripture were very inspirational to a small flock of Christian believers in 1878 under the leadership of the late Reverend R. F. Wallace. They decided to organize a church. They gathered together several years in temporary shelter for the purpose of worship.

The land to build the church was given by Mrs. Elsie Barnes. In the beginning, the structure was made from available types of materials to form a “Brush Harbor.” This structure was provisional and as the seasons changed, showers fell, the temperature begun to rise, they realized the need for a permanent place to worship.

As the chilly winds of winter began to blow, they were concerned with the need for a more substantial structure. Having been blessed with a member among them who owned personal property, the late Sister Elza Barnes, a mother of the late Deacon Acie Barnes, deeded titles on December 15, 1880, for the property on which the church now stands.

With the old familiar hymn in mind, “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah,” that group of Christian believers said, “In order to be a friend, you must first show yourself friendly,” they called this holy place “Friendship”.   Five years later they celebrated ten (10) years of worshipping at the “Ole Bethel Spot.”

Some of the divinely inspired persons who served in the position of pastoral leadership were:

Reverend J. C. Clark                       Reverend J. H. Evans

Reverend T. M. Barkins                   Reverend J. M. Franklin

Reverend S. D. Mitchell                   Reverend J. H. Coleman

Reverend T. F. Holmes                     Reverend Adams

God blessed them with the late Reverend E. A. Moss, who labored in the vineyard, unwavering, for a period of more than 32 years. Under his leadership, the building was brick veneered, bathroom facilities were added, and other modifications were manifested. With this “gospel preaching” warrior as leader, the membership grew in leaps and bounds.

Then came the late Reverend Moses C. Thomas. Under his leadership, the church continued to progress with memberships. Reverend Thomas saw the need for structural improvements. With the assistance of the deacons, trustees, and laymen, the sanctuary was sub-floored.

Then came a fruitful leader of the flock, Reverend Levi C. Chavous, Sr., a divinely inspired messenger of God. Concerned about the future of the church, he led the membership into the addition of the Educational Building. Hoping this facility would be an incentive in the continuous training of the child in its youth. This building contained three (3) classrooms, a chapel, kitchen facilities, and an office. Again, the Almighty crowned our efforts with success and blessed the followers with a rich heritage. In February 1969, came the Reverend James Austin Williams, a pastor, minister, teacher, leader, educator, philosopher, father, and friend, loved and respected by all men and women in all walks of life.   He served God through his service to humanity. Surely the Lord has done great things for us whereas we are glad! The church was rebuilt and showed immense growth and development under Reverend Williams with his untiring leadership. The first major endeavor was the purchase of property on the corner of Highway #245 and Hall Street for parking.

We chose the words, “We Believe” as our slogan and in 1973 we accepted the challenge to construct a New Building. An outstanding example of enthusiasm was shown when this Building was dedicated in April 1974, with a mortgage of $60,000.00. At the same time, renovations were made to the Educational Building and nursery space was acquired.

The leaders of the various church auxiliaries were thinking big and the members responded to their request for additional funds. In March 1983, the mortgage was retired. A new roof for the Educational Building was structured.

Additional burial space was purchased adjacent to the B-L Memorial Park off Highway #245 behind Calvary AME Church. Other needed items were purchased to make our Church a more comfortable place to worship.

In October 1986, we dedicated new Pulpit Furniture purchased through memorials given by various church family members. Along with the new furniture came the installation of new floor covering in the sanctuary.

In an effort to meet all the needs of the “whole man” we found it necessary to enlarge the present Educational Facility. Therefore, construction of a 3,400 sq. ft. structure was begun in April 1988. This structure now includes kitchen space, a nursery, dining area and office space. The final work was completed in 1993.

Since January 1995, we have covered our pews, purchased a copier for our office staff, installed a cabinet in the fellowship hall for plaques, started a tape ministry and installed a P.A. System.

It is noteworthy to mention that the first piano was purchased and given to the church by Sister Aquilla Reeves.

Through the years Friendship has had four Mothers of the church. They are: Mother Frances Dozier, Mother Geneva Drafts, and Mother Daisy Bryant and currently, since November 2013, Mother Mamie Speach.

During the year of November 1995 to November 1996, we experience much:

• Purchased a church van
• Hosted the State Baptist Educational Missionary Convention (one day)
• Received donation of Bibles and Hymn Books
• Purchased a freezer and computer
• Purchased a 3-dimensional Diorama from Israel
• Held first Annual Friend and Fun Day
• One member was re-installed
• One candidate for Baptism
• Four Deaths
• Annual lighting of Christmas Tree
• 
  

Progress during 1996-1999

Upgraded the P.A. System to better serve the growth of the church. Held Annual Fun Day for members and friends. Our minister of 28 years resigned – Reverend James A. Williams

A Pulpit Search Committee was formed:

• Deacon Charlie F. Coleman, Chairperson
• Deacon Reuben O. Levy, Co-Chairperson
• Deacon Johnnie Milhouse
• Deacon Jesse Barr
• Deacon Frank Wise
• Sister Myrtis B. Gantt
• Sister Dorothy H. Caldwell
• Sister Shirley Jackson
• Brother Floyd Davis
• Brother Kenneth Humphrey

Master Kevin Levels had his initial sermon on November 24, 1996

Presented the skit “The Story of Cain” during Black History Celebration

Reverend Edward T. Jordan served as Interim Pastor from February 1997 until February 1999.

On March 28, 1999, Reverend James A. Duncan was installed as Pastor. We have grown spiritually and the Lord is continuing to bless us as we are growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Under the leadership of Pastor Duncan, the following has occurred:

Progress during 1999 – 2012

• Changed the form of voting for our Church officers
• Established a Radio Ministry; 2001-2002
• Purchased a Bus
• Added Women Trustees to the Trustee Board
• Changed the Order of Service to be better time managed
• Formulated Guidelines for ministry annual services
• Re-established the Brotherhood Ministry
• New Van purchased by Brotherhood
• Mission Statement formulated by Pastor Duncan
• Operation Fast START implemented
• Minister Dorothy Caldwell’s initial sermon and ordination
• Purchased an additional copier
• Upgraded kitchen cookware with the installation of a deep fryer
• Formulated new burial and membership identification policies effective January 1, 2003
• Upgraded the sound system
• Reorganized a nursery staff
• Youth Explosion Ministry established
• Organized a Media Committee
• Renovated vestibule and bathrooms
• Replaced carpet in sanctuary
• Painted interior and exterior of church, July 2005
• Refurbished the pews
• Sponsored GED training in conjunction with Lexington District 3
• Purchased two laser printers (one color, one black/white); a Hammond Organ; a professional set of drums, a storage building, new tables for fellowship hall, a professional chef’s table for kitchen
• Completed recess lighting project in sanctuary
• Re-tiled flooring in the fellowship hall
• Upgraded all heating/cooling systems to censor control
• The PA system upgraded to include video and cassette recording
• The Gospel-Musical, Senior Choirs and Heavenly singers were combined into the Sanctuary Choir
• March 2006 the office area was destroyed by fire and was totally refurbished
• Minister Iola Meadow’s initial sermon and ordination
• Minister Eartha Summers’ initial sermon
• Constitution and By-Laws were adopted and approved
• New refrigerator and food warmers were donated
• October 2009, four new Trustees. They are: Brother Lowman Edwards, Brother Charlie Perry, Brother Walter Sugick and Brother Benny Cooks
• Began a Summer Feeding Program
• Dancers of Judah Ministry began
• Men in Action Ministry began
• Feeding the Homeless began

Progress from November 2012 – November 2013

• Phase one of the parking lot has been completed and phase two will begin soon
• Upgraded office copier to a multi-function Biz Hub
• Created the church’s first quarterly newsletter, “The Ship”
• Organized a Funeral/Wedding Committee
• Youth Explosion purchased Laptop and printer
• 16 Candidates for Baptism (20 New Members)
• 0 by Letter
• 4 by Christian Experience
• 1 From Watch Care to Full Membership
• 2 Child Dedications
• 5 deaths
• Our present membership is approximately 485.

Progress from November 2013 – 2014

• Replaced floors in Green Room and Sunday School Classrooms
• Installed 3 new Trustees, August 2014: Brother Tyrone D. Sanders, Brother Michael Newell and Brother David Coleman
• Candidates for Baptism (2 New Members)
• 3 by Restoration
• 2 by Watch Care
• 3 Child Dedications
• 3 deaths
• Our present membership is approximately 486.

Progress from November 2014 – 2015

• The vision of “Friendship Village” was voted on by members and is currently in the process of making it a reality. The village consists of property near the church with 3 houses and a vacant lot.
• The Brotherhood purchased 2 HDTVs for Pastor’s office and Green Room.
• Repainted the van and is in the process of purchasing a carport for shelter.
• As part of our beautification project the hedges that have surrounded the church for years were removed and a spotlight placed in front of the church to emphasize the beacon in the community.
• 5 Candidates for Baptism
• 1 by Restoration
• 3 by Watch Care
• 2 From Watch Care to Full Membership
• 6 by Christian Experience
• 1 Child Dedication
• 4 deaths

Our church family has grown spiritually and continue to grow spiritually though grace and in the knowledge of Jesus. Our Church Must Grow & Glow & Go & I Must Help To Make It So!

Our present membership is approximately 495.

Friendship has truly been blessed since last year. Progress from November 2015 – 2016:

• The vision of “Friendship Village” is a reality. The property was purchased and payed off. We are currently in the progress of restoring the houses.
• Purchased a carport to shelter the Van.
• Sassy and Saved Ministry was implemented in April. This ministry focused on the young girls in the church and community. They are under the umbrella of the Deaconess Ministry.
• We are officially incorporated as faith based non-profit organization.
• Pastor implemented a quarterly joint ministry meeting to improve on communication and to get the ministries to work together towards a Congregational Transformation.
• Minister James R. McDaniel, II preached his initial sermon on September 18, 2016.
• 11 Candidates for Baptism
• 1 by Watch Care
• 1 by Christian Experience
• 2 deaths

Our present membership is approximately 505.

Friendship has truly been blessed since last year. Progress from November 2016 – 2017:

• The vision of “Friendship Village” is a reality. The majority of the property has been restored and we are in the process of leasing the houses. It is our prayer that the Village will support itself.
• Purchased a new front door with a big donation from the Youth of our church.
• Purchased a CD recorder for the tape ministry to record worship services.
• Sister Martha Matthew accepted the honor of being named Mother of the Church in October.
• Church family went on their first church fellowship trip in years to Washington DC to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It was decided to make this an annual event. We are preparing for a cruise to the Bahamas in April.
• Along with serving our community, we continue to support Foreign mission. Rev. Iola Meadows traveled to Tanzania for her mission trip this year. Their primary purpose is to serve the Lord and to bring the good news of salvation to those who have no hope. They work alongside local churches and ministries to share the gospel. They provided humanitarian aid in the form of drip-irrigation project and vision clinics.
• 3 Candidates for Baptism
• 1 by Watch Care
• 2 by Christian Experience
• 5 deaths

Spiritually God has moved us to another level of spiritual Grace and perception of ourselves. He has allowed us to see ourselves beyond our present and past tomorrow.

Our present membership is approximately 506.

The Lord continues to keep us and bless us. We continue to grow spiritually and bring souls to Christ. We also have grown physically. Since last year we have prospered in the following ways:

• “Friendship Village” is still in the process of being restored. We have leased the house at 414 Friendship St. Our prayer of the Village supporting itself is coming to pass. Thank you God!
• Church family went on their second church fellowship trip in years to the Bahamas in April 2018. It was such a success we are going back in April 2019.
• The PA System committee was created to replace our current PA system, church steeple and add a security system. The ladies of the church, spearheaded by Lady Alfreda Duncan, held a Girls Night Out service to raise funds for these projects. They continue to raise funds until the goal of $50,000 is reached.
• Along with serving our community, we continue to support Foreign mission. Rev. Iola Meadows traveled to Tanzania for her mission trip this year. Their primary purpose is to serve the Lord and to bring the good news of salvation to those who have no hope. They work alongside local churches and ministries to share the gospel. They provided humanitarian aid in the form of drip-irrigation project and vision clinics.
• 3 Candidates for Baptism
• 0 by Watch Care
•  2 by Christian Experience
• 5 deaths

The Lord has blessed us to celebrate another year. Progress from 2018-2019:

“Friendship Village” is still in the process of being restored. We have leased the second house at 412 Friendship St. The third house in in the process of being restored. Our prayer of the Village supporting itself is coming to pass. Thank you God!

The branches of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church reach out in many directions, touching and blessing the lives of those who would inhabit her domain. Her one foundation is CHRIST THE LORD. We pause now to list the names of deceased Deacons, Deaconesses, and Trustees who played major roles in our rich history.

In March of 2020 the world was shutdown by the Covid-19 pandemic. Church doors were closed.

Deceased Deacons and Deaconesses

• Deacon Izell & Lizzie Porter
• Deacon Elliot & Lillie Brice
• Deacon Elvin & Mary Rowe
• Deacon Lewis & Mamie Adams
• Deacon Lawrence & Lula Bryant Jr.
• Deacon Acie & Nora Barnes
• Deacon Richard & Fannie Humphrey
• Deacon James & Cindy Brown
• Deacon Daniel & Mattie Hallman Sr.
• Deacon Albert & Mary Ann Gary
• Deacon John W. & Laura Thompson
• Deacon Etegah & Amanda Smith
• Deacon McKannie & Mabel Barr
• Deacon Tamus & Ella Bryant
• Deacon Joe & Eunice Gibson
• Deacon Elliott & Julie Humphrey
• Deacon John & Marie Hair
• Deacon Nelson & Emma Jones
• Deacon Nelson & Learlie Robinson
• Deaconess Mary L. Smith
• Deacon Union & Mallie Rowe (Served as a Chairperson)
• Deaconess Emma Lou Bryant
• Deacon Willie L. Watson (Minister & Musician)
• Deacon James & Mary E. Marshall
• Deacon James Dozier
• Deacon Claude & Emma Lindsay
• Deacon J.B. & Maggie Robinson (Served as Chairperson)
• Deacon Clarence & Gladys Padgett (Served as Vice Chairperson)
• Deacon Talmadge & Evelyn Marshall
• Deacon Robert & Daisy Bryant (Served as Mother of The Church
• Deacon William T. (Served as Chairperson)& Deaconess Louise Summers Smith
• Deaconess Bertha Wise
• Deacon Ezell & Rosa M. Barr (Served as Chairperson)
• Deacon Robert & Sallie Glasper
• Deaconess Catherine Council
• Deaconess JoAnn Barton
• Deacon Frank Wise
• Deaconess Mary Jane Milhouse

Deceased Trustees

• Mr. & Mrs. Odell (Queenester) Perry
• Mr. & Mrs. L.C. (Alegra) Harris
• Mr. & Mrs. Preston (Thelma) Bryant       
  
• Mr. Willie Barnes
• Mr. & Mrs. Bruce (Mamie) Bryant
• Mr. & Mrs. Thomas (Evelyn) Paine
• Mr. & Mrs. Mack (Lue) Mannings
• Mr. Mack Morris
• Mr. & Mrs. Johnnie (Sophie) Lee
• Mr. L.B. Bryant
• Mr. Luke Jones
• Mr. Willie Watson
• Mr. James Gantt Sr.
• Mr. John Bryant
• Mr. Joseph Quattlebaum
• Mr. Robert B. Cancer
• Mr. Larry Matthews
• Mr. Daniel Hallman
• Mr. & Mrs. Milas (Kathleen) Barr
• Mr. Henry Jackson