General Info:
I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat - Joshua 24: 13. The Friendship Baptist Church was organized in 1925, under the leadership of Rev. Clark, in a small frame house in Austin Quarter with a membership of twenty-five women. The church was known as "the friendly church on the corner." Following Rev. Clark the church pastors were Reverends Johnson, Brown, and H. A. Hamner. After many years of struggling the membership grew, and in 1944 Friendship Baptist Church moved from Austin Quarter to 2901 22nd Street. Once again the Lord had given us a land by which we did not labor. A building committee was formed and Rev. Austin Byrd, Associate Minister was appointed secretary. Money was borrowed to construct a larger frame building 30 x 40 feet, with no deacons, just a few faithful working women such as Sisters Bessie Sleigh, Viola Jones, Ester Williams, Sarah Griffin, Anna Moore, Beatrice Shelton (still actively serving ), C. Williams, and Lisa Grant. Lisa Grant served 16 years as Church Clerk. Anna Moore was the church first Sunday School Superintendent. After the building was completed, Brothers Morgan and Willie Clayton were Friendship's first deacons. In 1947 Rev. J. C. Carter became pastor. Under his leadership a block building was built and the membership grew rapidly. There was a need for more deacons and in 1948 Brothers L. B. Benson and Tom DeLoach were ordained. They were followed by Deacons Ross Knox, T. G. Ward, F. Jenkins, and Johnson. Later years others were added including Joe Smith, W. L. Sherfield, Sterling Thomas, Gilbert and White. The Sunday School was the fastest growing department. Deacon Knox served 16 years as superintendent and was followed by Sister Lucille Morgan, who was assisted by Bro. Joe Summerville. September 5, 1957 Dedication and Cornerstone Laying Services were held and Sister Rose Griffin (for whom the Rose Griffin Circle is named today ), President of the Mission and Sister Lida Mays began to organize other departments, such as the Young Matrons, Red Circle, Crusaders and Sunbeam Band. Choir #1 was the first choir, singing without a piano until one was purchased for $25. Sister Cody was the first church musician. Rev. William King became pastor in 1962. Under his leadership membership grew to approximately 365 and five new deacons were added to the deacon board. They were Deacons George Foster, Troy Holley, Davie Greene, John Gray and Luther Spencer, who served several years as Church Clerk and Sunday School Superintendent for 12 years. During this administration the church at 22nd Street and 29th Avenue was remodeled adding classrooms and kitchen downstairs. On December 5, 1982, Rev. Myron Hamner, Sr. became the seventh and present pastor of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Under his guidance membership more than doubled and church improvements were tremendous. At the former site on 22nd Street the baptism pool was relocated and mirrors, stained glass windows and a glass front enclosure was installed. In addition a bus, van, and tape ministry was added to spread the gospel to the sick and shut-in members. Deacons Jamie Noland, John Sterling, Albert Tanksley, and Charles Wells were added to the deacon board. Sisters Mattie German was serving as Church Clerk, Linda Henley (Foster ) was serving as Financial secretary and Deacon Willie Davis was serving as Treasurer. Deacon John Gray served as Sunday School Superintendent and Bro. Leotis Williams served as Assistant. Sister Brenda Elliott served as Secretary. On February 14, 1988 an early Sunday morning fire gutted the church on 22nd Street and 29th Avenue which had been our cherished worshipping place for 44 years. That morning hearts were heavy and sadden, but just as we had been taught through the years, we knew the Lord would carry us through. Doors started opening up. Rollins Mortuary offered the use of th