During this time there was not a brick or block foundation. The saints of God worshipped in a “Bush-Harbor”. Now for those who question what a bush-harbor was—it was a structure made from tree limbs and bushes. But the materials in which their place of worship was not of significance, because they had just one thing on their mind and was to come together on one accord and give the highest praise t
o the Lord Almighty. As time moved on so did Elder Kilpatrick; he relocated to South Florida. Hill was elected Pastor and served until 1949. At that time Elder P. Hinson was elected and served for one year. The next pastor called to lead this flock was Elder Griffin, who served until 1955. The Lord realized that it was time to bless this group of parishioners with someone who would be with them for the long haul; to lead them through thick-n-thin, and to make every possible effort to up-build God’s house. In 1955, the Lord blessed the Friendship Primitive Baptist Church family by sending Elder Richard Mathews, Sr. to serve as pastor. Under his leadership the church was rebuilt in 1961, the Deacon Board and Mothers Board was reorganized and officers were installed, a Indoor Baptismal Pool was installed, a Dinning Area, a new addition including a Choir Room, and a Pastor’s Study was constructed. Elder Mathews served faithfully for 48 years. He was a spirit-filled and committed leader who was all about his father’s business and had the best interest of church in his heart. During his tenure, he has seen many come and go. He is a well-respected man, one who firmly stands up for his beliefs (even if he has to stand alone). He is especially known for his spiritual baptisms, his little “hoot” and his favorite song “My Home Town”. In 2002, Elder Mathews received a word from heaven that it was time to move on; he announced his retirement, effective February 2, 2003. And once again Friendship was faced with the task of seeking new leadership. In 2003, Elder Daniel B. Gay was elected as the next successor and was officially installed on February 1, 2004 and is currently serving. He has proven to be a dynamic and untiring leader during his tenure. He has rolled up his sleeves and transitioned our church to a family worship center. He devised a plan that involve everyone in church activities and modernized the systemic operations of the church. Perhaps more importantly, he has proven to be a tremendous motivator in inspiring us to give our best to the Lord. He leads by example and will not let us rest while there is work to be done. Under His leadership the church has improved it’s financial and physical condition. Office Equipment and Furniture has been purchased, the building was painted, Public Address System installed, several exciting programs for the youth ministry such as a Vacation Bible School, Hallelujah Night, Back-to-School , and End-of-the-Year activities. Several Ministries have been developed, including a Brown Bag Ministry that feeds over 100 families per month. With a Motto of “A Church That Sits On A Hill, Striving To Be A Light Of Love & Unity”, Pastor Gay has excelled toward unity by merging our Ushers and Choir ministries together forming The Friendship P. Church Ushers Ministry, and Friendship P. Church Choir Ministry instead of Usher’s Board #1 and 2 or Choir #1 or 2. Mother Rosa Lee Arnold has been named The Mother of the church, and the Mothers Board has been renamed to the Friendship P. Church Mother and Deaconess Ministry. And now we usher in a totally renovated worship facility. We are being served by an able cadre of officers, and they are as follows:
DEACONS:
Deacon Alfred Arnold, Deacon Captain Ponder, Deacon Albert Burk, Deacon Richard Harris, Deacon Stanley Roberts, Deacon Maurice Towels
TRUSTEES:
Elder Daniel B. Gay, Sister Ida Sampson, Deaconess Maryann Travis, Brother Maurice Kilpatrick,
Deaconess Annie Kilpatrick, Sister Nancy Bradley, Brother Antoine Gonzalez
CLERKS:
Sister Rose Burney, Deaconess Maryann Travis
MOTHER OF THE CHURCH:
Mother Rosa Lee Arnold
DEACONESSES:
Deaconess Gussie Beverly, Deaconess Cora Gardner, Deaconess Ethel Beverly,
Deaconess Betty Harris, Deaconess Annie Kilpatrick, Deaconess Isabelle Gaines,
Deaconess Maryann Travis, Deaconess Mattie Lofton, Deaconess Sallie Burk,
Deaconess Cassandra Roberts, Deaconess Brenda Gay
Friendship Primitive Baptist Church, it has grown significantly. There have been many transitions; we have undergone church modernization through the physical structure of the sanctuary as well as the administration. Many have come and many have gone on. But the one thing that still remains is the true dedication and commitment of this group of baptized believers. Through the good times and the bad, we continually to look towards the hills from whence come our help. Our foundation was build on faith, love and just knowing that the Lord holds the reigns of time in his own hands. We are rooted and grounded in the word and are striving each and everyday to keep on sending up our timber for the building of the Kingdom. We’re committed to be ready to meet the Savior when he returns to receive his children unto himself.
