Friendship Missionary Baptist Church was organized in the early spring of 1870, under the leadership
of the Reverend James Williams who was commonly known as "Pappy Jim" and Reverend Taylor as Shuffling John: James Williams
was the Great-Grandfather of the late Sister Elnora Davis McGowan, and the Great-Great-Grandfather of the late Sister Emma
McGowan Reno.
Walking in the footprints of her foreparents, Sister McGowan also left her footsteps in the sands
of time. She was not only active in her church, but on a local, state, and national level as well. She has gone on, but her
memory lingers still.
The Church was started under a brush harbor just behind our present structure. In the early Spring
of 1872, Reverend A.H. Davis (from Bolivar County, Mississippi) was elected as Pastor. Pastor Davis died in July of 1897 and
the Reverend H. W. Scott was elected as Pastor. While Reverend Scott was pastor, the membership continued to grow. Reverend
Scott passed this life in February of 1920.
After the death of Pastor Scott, Reverend S.S. Butler was elected as pastor. During his pastorage,
the first electric lights were installed. Reverend Butler died and Reverend W.P. Whitfield was chosen to lead the congregation
onward. Reverend Whitfield resigned in 1950 and the Reverend Curtis L. West was elected as pastor. Reverend West had a vision
of growth. Pastor West served faithfully until his death in 1964.
The Friendship Family elected the Reverend Dr. McKinley K. Nelson, March 1965. Under Pastor Nelson's
dynamic leadership, Friendship has become one of the outstanding church organizations in our city and state. On April 16,
2001 our hearts were sadden, when our beloved pastor of 36 years answered the Master's call. The
Friendship Family elected the Anointed Rev. Bobby Burks as Pastor September 2001.
Friendship Church has been blessed with another van.
Completion of the hadicap walk with rails, price.
Decorations of the church entrance, two tables with flowers.
Youth Spotlight every 3rd Sunday.
The Morrison Family donated a set of drums to the church.
New bathrooms has been installed in the front entrance of the church.
There have been numerous menbers to join this year.
A P.A. system and alarm was also added to the church, and many additions to the finance room; copire,
computer, and binding machine.
The Laymen Department painted the Sanctuary on November 7th, 2003.
Sis. Thelma Anderson donated a silver bowl for communion.
A total number of 85 persons have joined Friendship under Pastor's Burks leadership, and new lighting
for the sanctuary have also been added.
The Church Motto is "A church whose mind is stayed on thee, God will keep them in perfect peace and
unity.
Mission Statement: To Seek and Save that which is lost.
And last but not least "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but
with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
And this new vision of construction and instruction of the Holy Spirit now we can see the manifestation
of his will by building a Family Life Center that includes classrooms, kitchen, serving facility, baptism pool,
restroom, and a new office for the Pastor. For God is not unrightous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have
shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do
shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through
faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:10-12 May God Bless You my brothers and sisters.
Information taken form "History of Friendship" was edited by the late Deacon G.W. Barker and Sis.
Lillian Marshall. Re-written April 30, 1984, updated by Sis. Monica Connors, 2002 updated by Sis. Oceal Rozell, 2003/2004
updated by Sis. Bonita Morrison.
These are just a few things that was mentioned about the History of Friendship M.B. Church. The complete
History can be found in the church library under Friendship.com.
1870-1872 Rev. James Williams/Rev. Taylor
1872-1897 Rev. A.H. Davis
1897-1920 Rev. A.W. Scott
1920-1926 Rev. S.S. Butler
1926-1950 Rev. W.P. Whitfield
1950-1964 Rev. Curtis L. West
1965-2001 Dr. McKinley Nelson
2001-Present Rev. Bobby Burks.
