“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 were given 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.

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

h    Purchased a church van
h    Hosted the State Baptist Educational Missionary Convention (one day)
h    Received donation of Bibles and Hymn Books
h    Purchased a freezer and computer
h    Purchased a 3-dimensional Diorama from Israel
h    Held first Annual Friend and Fun Day
h    One member was re-installed
h    One candidate for Baptism
h    Four Deaths
h    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 Kelvin 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 – 2003

h    Changed the form of voting for our Church officers
h    Established a Radio Ministry
h    Purchased a Bus
h    Added Women Trustees to the Trustee Board
h    Changed the Order of Service to be better time managed
h    Formulated Guidelines for ministry annual programs
h    Re-established the Brotherhood Ministry
h    New Van purchased by Brotherhood
h    Mission Statement formulated by Pastor Duncan
h    Operation Fast START implemented
h    Minister Dorothy Caldwell’s initial sermon
h    Purchased an additional copier
h    Upgraded kitchen cookware with the installation of a deep fryer
h    Formulated new burial and membership identification policies effective January 1, 2003
h    Upgraded the sound system  
h    Reorganized a nursery staff
h    Youth Explosion Ministry established
h    Organized a Media Committee
h    Renovated vestibule and bathrooms
h    Sponsors GED training in conjunction with Lexington District 3
h    42 candidates for Baptism
h    15 members by Restoration
h    10 by Christian Experience
h      6 by Letters
h      14 deaths

Our present membership is approximately 260.

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.

Deceased Deacons and Deaconesses

Trustees