HISTORY OF FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH  

To God Be the Glory for the Things He Has Done!  The devotion to the cause of Christ by those reflected in this history is overwhelming as one reads through the history.  We owe these men, their wives and families, and other early church members a debt of gratitude for their giant step forward in furthering the cause of Christ and the Gospel.  

In 1928, members of the Atkins, Denmark, Dukes, Newkirk, Baker, Webb, and Williams family came together to organize Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church.  Reverend S.T. Stewart was called to Pastor this body.  Reverend H. Peterson followed Pastor Stewart as Pastor.  Under his leadership, the Church purchased property located at 9th Avenue and 24th Street.

In 1930, Reverend S.A. Harris was called to Pastor our church.  With what appeared to be the merger of two congregations, Jerusalem and First Mount Zion, active members decided to change the name of the church to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend W.N. Stephens, Reverend J. L. Cooper, Reverend J. P. Austin served tirelessly as Pastors of our congregation.  A new church structure was built under the leadership of Pastor J. P. Austin.

In 1961, Reverend C. J. Long was called to pastor.  During Pastor Long’s tenure, a new parsonage was built.  Reverend F.G. Jackson followed Pastor Long as Pastor.  Under the leadership of Pastor Jackson, a new church was built on 18th Avenue South in the city.

Reverend J. D. Magnum was called as Pastor in 1986.  Under Pastor Magnum’s leadership, our church continued to grow spiritually, numerically and financially.  We were elated to burn the mortgage in June 1987; install a new P.A. system; institute church colors as royal blue and off-white; update carpet and pews; purchase adjacent property and add an early morning service.  Pastor Mangum also incorporated various training’s into the Baptist Training Union.  Other ministries organized under the leadership of Pastor Mangum included: marriage, singles, youth, bus, new member, basketball and nurses guild. 

Pastor John A. Evans, Sr. was called as Pastor in 1997.  Under Pastor Evans’ leadership we embarked on a “New Beginning.”  A new mission statement was adopted and we became affectionately known and loved in the community as “The Ship”.  The following ministries have been added, reorganized, or restructured:  Christian Education; Christian Prayer Counselors; Singles, 55 Plus, Music, Youth, Matrons, Young Women’s Auxiliary; Home Mission; Laymen; Public Relations; Bread of Life Ministry and Social Action Ministries.

We are thankful the Pinellas School Board purchased our church property on 18th Avenue, South.  The purchase of this property allowed us to purchase six acres of land at our current location. It was a blessing for us to find a temporary place of worship as our new church edifice was being constructed.  We give adoration and praise to God for the Elim Seventh Day Adventist and Trinity Presbyterian church families for allowing us to use their facilities.  We are forever indebted to members of Elim and Trinity for their extreme unselfish  generosity…. To God Be the Glory for the Things He Has Done! 

On June 7, 1998, we were blessed to have our first worship service in our new sanctuary located at 3300 31st Street, South.  It was a joyous time!  We humbly praised the Lord for all He had done for us.

In April 2005, we were grateful to have an opportunity to host the 130th Annual Session of the Florida General Baptist Convention.  As a result, Friendship received local, state, and national attention as we welcomed more than 3,000 delegates to our beloved city. 

Under Pastor Evans’ leadership and vision, we are wondrously blessed to experience God’s goodness; spiritually, numerically and financially.  Pastor Evans’ has established the Mother’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Minister’s Wives Ministry, Website Ministry, Friendship’s Adult Choir and the Intercessory Prayer Ministry.  The Pastor has also encouraged our church family to embrace outreach ministries to include:  Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Ministry, Nursing Home Ministry and Foreign Missions. To God Be the Glory for the Things He has Done! 

In March 2007, we were elated to make our final mortgage payment. We were also thankful to God for allowing our Youth Ministry, to partner with ‘Feed The Children’ to sponsor a Truckload of Food to the community.  This outreach project allowed Friendship to provide food and essential items to 400 children and their families. To God Be the Glory for the Things He Has Done! 

In June 2007, during our 79th church anniversary celebration, we ‘burned the mortgage’ on the church.  It was a joyous time! Florida General Baptist State President, Dr. James Sampson and Dr. W. O. Wells joined us on this momentous occasion. To God Be the Glory for the Things He Has Done! 

In October 2007, for the first time in our church history, we provided for our beloved "Pastor", as he is affectionately known, to journey to Lagos, Nigeria in Africa on a missionary trip.  Pastor was able to preach and teach the gospel.  We were also thankful to provide a generator, rice and other much-needed supplies to the people.  Pastor described this mission as his ‘Calling to Fulfill.  “It was a dream come true to bear witness in such a far away land.  The people were filled with Jesus Joy!”