In 1954 God had a plan! God directed His human instrument to call together fourteen (14) chosen people:
FOUNDERS (14)
Rev. Ernest Jones, Sarah Walden, Henry Mack, Mamie Gantt, Benjamin J. Hudson, John Floyd, Amos Richardson, Rubin Joyner, Owen Moreland, Rev. Raymond Benjamin, Sr., Julius Graham, John Ward, George Harper, Beulah Jones.
They met at the residence of Reverend Ernest A. and Sis. Beulah Jones of 118 Old Rose Street for the purpose of organizing a church. Later they moved to the Quartet Association Building, 338 North Montgomery Street and began operating as a church.
As a result of these meetings a mission was formed (which became known as Friendship Mission). The organization was accomplished and the newly-organized church adopted the name of Friendship Baptist Church at the suggestion of Mrs. Donna Tiggett. By this time thirty-eight new members, all by letters from Galilee Baptist Church joined the Friendship Baptist Church after it was organized, namely:
CHARTER MEMBERS (38)
Sis. Mary Mack, Sis. Leola Lee, Sis. Johnnie Young, Sis. Eula Peterson, Bro. Thomas Glover, Sis. Carey Holloman, Bro. Owen Moreland, Bro. David Teal, Bro. Emmett Kelly, Sis. Melvina Dawsey, Bro. Thomas Floyd, Bro. L. C. Barge, Sis. Doris Brown, Sis. Azzie Jones Glover, Sis. Flora Sutton, Sis. Tincey Lewis, Sis. Ida Joyner, Sis. Mattie Tiggett, Sis. Mary Peterson, Bro. Rufus Kelly, Sis. Ruth Sweeney, Bro. William Soloman, Sis. Donna Tiggett, Bro. Hampton Lewis, Sis. Eula Ward, Sis. Oran Bishop Demby, Deacon C. B. Dawsey, Sis. Cassie Glover, Sis. Annie Lee Thomas, Sis. Viola Kelly, Bro. Golden Fadds, Sis. Claudia Kelly, Bro. Ed Renfroe, Bro. Anderson Thornton, Sis. Nellie Barge, Sis. Lillian Johns, and Sis. Allen McKnight (by letter from Enoch Baptist Church).
Deacon Rubin Joyner presented the name of Rev. E. A. Davis to become the Pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church.
Reverend E. A. Davis was called to Pastor the Friendship Baptist Church on February 12, 1955. During his tenure he laid a strong foundation. Many of the organizations that exist today began under his fine leadership. Some of these ministries include:
Ordained Deacons, Hostess Club, Senior Choir, Inspirational Choir, Male Chorus, Gospel Choir, Busy Bee Club, Floral Club, Up and Doing, Davis-Site Choir, Young Adult Choir, Davis-Hayes Choir, Baptist Training Union, Usher Board, Nurses Unit, Missionary and Sunday School.
In 1955, Friendship Baptist Church acquired a building for worship at a cost of $75,000.00. The Lord had tremendously blessed Friendship financially.
Friendship Baptist Church marched into its new home, 111 Perry Street on Sunday, May 20, 1956. There were nine Trustees selected for the first year of existence of this corporation.
TRUSTEES
George Harper, John Floyd, Henry Mack, Benjamin Hudson, Owen Moreland, Rubin Joyner, Odom Reed, Rev. E. A. Jones, Moses Peterson.
The deacon Board consisted of the following members when Friendship relocated to its new home:
DEACONS
Deacon John Floyd, Deacon B. J. Hudson, Deacon Rubin Joyner, Deacon Thomas Glover, Deacon C. B. Dawsey, Deacon James W. Redman.
The impossible dream of burning the Mortgage was realized in just five years on December 5, 1961.
After serving 15 years he announced his retirement to the church on Sunday, January 3, 1970 to become effective Sunday, January 18, 1970.
Upon the departure of Reverend Davis, the congregation was led by different Ministers, including Reverend Fisher Green who was Interim Pastor until the call extended to Reverend Willie James Sanders, who at the time was Pastor of Galilee Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, where he had served for five (5) years. Deacon Turner Bodiford, Sr. was the Pulpit Chairman. Serving with Deacon Bodiford were two Deacons (Deacon James L. Evans, Jr. and Deacon James W. Rogers). These three Deacons traveled to Birmingham, Alabama to interview Reverend and Mrs. Willie James Sanders. Reverend Sanders accepted the call and became the Pastor of Friendship on August 17, 1970.
The magnitude of the late Reverend W. J. Sanders’ accomplishments is difficult to assess, but some must not go unnoticed as they stand evident of who, with God’s divine guidance, gave spiritually and abundantly of him. Some, however, were as follows:
1971
Organized Central Treasurer, New Piano, Organized Church Office, Office Machine, Instituted Vacation Bible School, Improvement made in Dining Room, Youth Department, Choir Room, Scholarship Committee, Trustee Room, Bible Class, Purchased Pulpit Furniture.
1972
Full Time Secretary, Reorganized Sunday School, Director of Christian Education, Installed New Public Address System, Historian, Improvements made in Prayer Room, Auditing Committee, Organized Missionary Society, Radio Broadcasting Ministry began (great pride was shown by all members of Friendship when Our Broadcast service was mentioned. Each Sunday morning from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm.
Friendship can be heard through the facility of Station WTNJ (now heard on WIMG 1300 AM).
1973
Hosted General Baptist Convention of NJ, Ordained 12 New Deacons, Renovation of Parsonage, Feasibility Report done on present site, Purchased China and Silverware for Kitchen.
1974
Improvements made on Windows and Doors and Central Air Conditioning.
1975
Purchased 117 Perry Street (Annex), which housed: Pastor’s Church Offices, Class Rooms and Auxiliary Meeting Rooms. Made deposit on New Pews and Painted the Church.
Hosted: The Carlton Reese Singers, Dorothy Love Coates Singers and Voices of Christ, California.
1976
Purchased a 20 Passenger Van, Purchased Railing for Sanctuary, Organized a Mother’s Board, Purchased Carpet for Main Auditorium, Opened Church Nursery, Purchased New Dishwasher, Purchased New Piano for Sunday School, Purchased Ice Maker-Refrigerator for Dining Room and Kitchen.
1977
Organized the Concert Choir, Held Building Fund Banquet, Went on Tour with the Concert Choir to North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.
1978
Appointed another Full time Secretary, Purchased Properties on Perry Streets (now a parking lot)
1979
Purchased lots on Perry and North Broad Streets (now a parking lot), Organized Memorial Club
During the aforementioned years many tangible items were purchased to enhance the ministry of the Church including: air conditioners for the Church and Pastor’s Study; new roof for the church; new door for the Church; typewriters; rewiring of Church; bulletin boards and many, many other items.
The years between 1979 and 1985 were spent building up the saints and generally doing the missions of the Church, including our monthly feeding of the needy, outreach ministry, developing church leaders and lifting up the name of the Jesus.
God did not serve notice upon Friendship Baptist Church that it could not handle new challenges and not extend our visions into the new life expressions. In just 6 years, August 20, 1982, God allowed us to burn the mortgage. During the year 1985 we watched Pastor Sander’s vision become a reality. In June of 1985 God showered his blessings upon the Friendship Baptist Church when he allowed us to celebrate our entrance into the New Education wing and dedicated it for the Glory of God. In 1986 we took several giant steps, by hosting the Middlesex Central Baptist Association for the July Annual Session. The parking lot adjacent to the church was completed.
During 1987 Friendship Baptist Church continued with its business for the King. Highlights were as follows: Celebration of the 33rd Church Anniversary as well as Pastor Sander’s 19th Pastoral Anniversary. The celebration was a record breaker with the purchase of two (2) vans for the purpose of transporting seniors and retirees to and from church.
In 1988 a plan with a giant step was introduced by Pastor Sanders: a pledge to support our Mortgage Liquidation Drive. Each member was asked to prayerfully make a pledge as suggested on a special pledge list or as the Lord has blessed them. The church has grown by leaps and bounds. Many souls were saved.
In 1989 we continued to “Trust in the Lord”; we continued to grow financially and spiritually and hosted the General Baptist Convention. In 1992 thirteen (13) new deacons and fourteen (14) new Deaconesses’ were added to the Church. Architectural drawings were unveiled for the new edifice in December of 1992. In 1993-1994 we continued to place great emphasis on saving the souls of men. Friendship continues to look to God for His wisdom and strength. We yet expect our new sanctuary and multi-purpose center to come to pass in a few years. “Through Christ all things are possible”.
PHYSICAL FEATURES
Worship, Kitchen, Sanctuary, Sunday School Room, Chapel, , Annex, Other Services, Administration, Pastor’s Study, Pastor’s Secretary Office, Finance Room, Program, Pulpit and Altar Bearers.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE
Twenty Plus One Club, Brotherhood, Youth Fellowship, Memorial Club, Deacons, Junior Ushers, Junior Nurses, Willing Workers, Trustees, Musical Department, Finance Committee, Trustee Aids, Women’s Missionary Union, Missionaries, Deaconess, Progressive Choir, Mother’s Board, Pastor’s Choir and Sunday School.
We praise those few humble souls who laid the foundation upon which we build. Thanks to God for the great things Pastor Sanders did through the stewardship of Friendship Baptist Church.
Pastor Willie J. Sanders labored as a shepherd until his death on April 11, 2002. The Pulpit Committee Chairman, Deacon Turner Bodiford, Sr. provided the congregation a continuation of the spoken word through various invited guest ministers each Sunday.
On November 3, 2002 God laid His hands on a young yet divinely called, Pastor Dharius M. Daniels of Jackson, Mississippi, as the third Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church. He is married to Shemeka Gooden Daniels.
In the fall of 2001, Reverend Daniels matriculated at the Princeton Theological Seminary and immediately after leaving one family, found another at the Friendship Baptist Church under the late Reverend Dr. Willie James Sanders. Little did Reverend Daniels know that within the next year he would face two giants: the birth of his son Dharius Seth Daniels, and being called to shepherd God’s people at the Friendship Baptist Church. This was again clearly God showing favor.
Under his leadership the Hospitality Ministry and the New Members Ministry was established. Also, within the Youth Ministry, the Boyz to Men Mentoring Ministry was established. With his youthful vision and in keeping with technology, the Media Ministry was expanded to include 2 widescreen monitors; upgrades were made to the sound system; and a new software package for tracking membership was purchased for the office. During Reverend Daniels’ Pastorate 1,088 souls were saved and added to the Church roll. Reverend Daniels served as Pastor until he rendered his resignation in July 2005.
After the resignation of Reverend Daniels in July 2005, another Pulpit Search Committee was quickly selected and moved into position to help begin the Pastoral Search process yet another time. The congregation remained committed to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and faithfully supported the Church and the Pulpit Search Committee throughout the process. From July 2005 until October 2006, the Committee brought in dynamic preachers that were interested in becoming the next Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church.
Reverend Donald R. A. Toussaint, Sr. came to Friendship a total of three different Sundays and brought six dynamic messages prior to becoming the fourth Pastor. He was first scheduled to visit Friendship on February 12, 2006 – the 51st Church Anniversary – but due to a snowstorm, there was no service on that particular Sunday. He, however, was invited to return to Friendship several weeks later.
The initial vote was conducted on September 9, 2006 to select a Pastor, but neither candidate was successful. A second vote took place on November 18th, at that time Reverend Toussaint was victorious by a greater than 75% majority vote to call Reverend Toussaint as the fourth Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church. Reverend Toussaint preached his first sermon as Pastor on December 31, 2006 – Watch Night Service. The sermon was entitled “God at the Midnight Ball” (Daniel 5:1-5). On that night three souls were united with the Friendship Baptist Church Family. What a wonderful celebration and fellowship the Friendship Baptist Church Family had on that evening. On March 25, 2007, Reverend Toussaint was formally installed as the Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church.
Reverend Toussaint came to Friendship with energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to our Church, our community and to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He has exhibited an interest in the seniors, the youth, the sick and shut-in, and in the Friendship Family at large. We are excited by the possibilities as we faithfully believe Reverend Donald R. A. Toussaint, Sr. will take this great church to even higher heights in preaching, teaching and serving.
Under Reverend Toussaint’s leadership two new ministries were added: (1) Membership Ministry; and (2) Children’s Church. It was Reverend Toussaint’s vision that a Walk-a-Thon would generate the monies needed to make the necessary improvements to the Church.
In August, 2007 many recommendations were made by the Official Board, to terminate the contractual agreement between Reverend Donald R. A. Toussaint, Sr. and the Friendship Baptist Church; and to strengthen the Church at large. Elder John R. Taylor, Pastor of New Beginning Christian Worship Center, serve in the position of Pulpit Filled at Friendship Baptist Church until the Pulpit Search Committee was formed and the completion of the search for a Pastor.
In September 2007, Elder John R. Taylor came to Friendship Baptist with a humble spirit and a commitment to our Church and his love for the Lord. Under Elder Taylor’s leadership, combined worship services with New Beginning Christian Worship Center were held for Thanksgiving (November 22, 2007) and Watch Night Service (December 31, 2007) at Friendship Baptist Church.
In January 2008 (January 6th) Elder Taylor dedicated 18 new Mother to the Friendship Baptist Church Mothers Ministry and installed into office the 2008 Officers of the Friendship Baptist Church on January 13th in various positions of leadership.
As we enter into 2008, we praise God for keeping the church and us, as we continued in our search for a permanent Pastor to lead us.
On May 2, 2008, The Deacon’s Ministry sponsored, The Golden Years Honorary Dinner, honoring seniors that were 75 years of age and over. The Theme: Honoring the Strength of Christian Warriors, (scripture reference, Deuteronomy 33:21).
God touched the heart of a member of the congregation that volunteered during the summer to paint the church inside and out, minor repairs was done in and outside of the church, a fence was installed in back of the church.
When God close one door, He opens another one, because on January 3, 2009, the church voted for yet another pastor to serve Friendship Baptist Church in a full-time permanent capacity.
Elder John R. Taylor, who served as the church’s Pulpit-Filled, was voted overwhelming to lead Friendship Baptist Church to the next level in God, community and the world, as we continue to be, “A Church Being Kept by the Power of a Living God”.
As we continued to prosper spiritually, numerically and financially it was with great anticipation and excitement that Elder John R. Taylor, Pulpit Filled, was installed as Rev. John R. Taylor, the fifth Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church on March 29, 2009. We as a church continued to build upon the ministries that were already in place.
In the Youth Department, the Junior Praise Dance Ministry was formed and the Adult Praise Dance Ministry was formed in September 2009 and debuted with their first performance at the Annual Women’s Day Celebration on Sunday, October 25, 2009.
In November, 2009 a re-organizing of some of the officers were done, in the hope of advancing the spiritual growth of the church, mainly our Youth Department.
2009 closed with the church planning a Gala Celebration for our 55th Church’s Anniversary to be held on February 14, 2010.
What a decade this has been, as we look back, we can thank God, as we look forward, we can trust God, as we look around, we can continue to serve God, as we look within, we can find God. It is our prayer that this great Church continues to go forward to be even better and greater in the years to come.
The Golden Community was added as an outreach ministry that encompassed not only the seasoned saints of Friendship but also included the community at large to come together once a month to fellowship and do arts and crafts, medical doctors and speakers were brought in to participate to share information about concerns that affect the congregation and the community as a whole as it relates to medical issues.
The Never Alone Ministry was formed to assist members of the congregation in their time of bereavement and for as long as spiritual encouragement and the need to have someone to listen so that they would not feel alone.
October 2012, just as in Jethro advice to Moses in Exodus 18:13-26, Pastor Taylor, The Deacons Ministry, Joint Board Ministry and the church as a whole voted unanimously that (3) Ministers at Friendship Baptist Church in the names of: Minister Robert Donaldson, Minister Torey Wilson and Minister Mildred D. Morris, would begin the process to be ordained to help assist the Pastor with the ecclesiastical responsibilities.
After much prayer and fund-raising, phase three (3) was started in stages, reconstruction and relocation of the baptism pool, restructure and renovation of the choir area including the pulpit area. Re-padding the pews and re-carpeting the floor in the sanctuary will proceed well past February 2013.
March 17, 2013, several young male youths ranging in ages from 12 yrs. old to 23 yrs. old was presented to church that had been set apart for the purpose of training to be Junior Deacons.
On March 23, 2013, Friendship Baptist Church made history, by ordaining the first female in its 58 years of church history, in the Name of Rev. Mildred D. Morris, Th.D. Ordination was done by the Middlesex Central Baptist Association of New Jersey, Incorporated. The Ordination sermon was delivered by the first female Moderator in its 108 Year history, in the name of Moderator Tracy L. Brown, Pastor and Founder of Ruth Fellowship Ministries in Plainfield, New Jersey.
April 2014 – Honoree Luncheon held for Deacon James L. Evans, Jr. who had served as Chair of the Deacon’s Ministry for 38 years, serving from 1975-2013.
February 2015 – Friendship Baptist Church celebrated its 60th Church Anniversary beginning on February 3-5, with pre-anniversary services with pastors that were “sons” of the church. Theme: “Family of Faith; Standing Firm and Holding Fast,” Daniel 3:11-15.
The 60th Church Anniversary Banquet was held on the 7th at The Hamilton Manor, culminating on Sunday February 8th, with Bishop Frank Gibson, Pastor of Lion of Judah Church, Lanham, MD, also a son of the church. Bishop Gibson’s Text: 1 Cor. 25:58; Topic: “Your Labor is not in Vain in the Lord – Nothing Wasted.”
January 26, 2020 – 65th Church Anniversary Kick-off Celebration at both services.
Theme: Celebrating the Past, Living Today; Creating our Future; as we celebrate 65 Years.
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalms 100:5.
7:45 am – Guest Preacher: Bishop Johnnie Vaughn, Pastor of Calvary Christian Fellowship Ministries, Ewing, NJ
10:45 am – Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Clifford Wright, Sr., Pastor of HOPE Baptist Church, Bound Brook, NJ
Musical Concert – 3:30pm. All former choir members were invited to participate.
February 1, 2020 – 11:00 am – 3:30 pm held at Mercer Oaks, 725 Village West Windsor, NJ.
Guest Preacher: Rev. Lester Taylor, Pastor of the Community Baptist Church, Englewood, NJ.
3 Nightly Pre- Anniversary Services were held:
February 4, 2020 – Rev. Vincent Jackson, St. John Baptist Church, Ewing, NJ
February 5, 2020 – Rev. Keith Tillet, St. Paul AME Zion Church, Ewing, NJ.
February 6, 2020 – Rev. Simeon Spencer, Union Baptist Church, Trenton, NJ.
February 9, 2020 – 65th Church Celebration
7:45 am – Rev. Ronald Owens, New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ.
10:45 am – Rev, Dr. J. A. Jones, First Baptist Nazarene Baptist Church, Camden, NJ.
Many upgrades and renovations were done in and through out the building in addition to the out side and the parking lot. Annual Days Celebrations, Pastoral Anniversaries were still being celebrated and well as saving souls and adding to the body of Christ at Friendship Baptist Church, where we enter to worship and depart to serve where we have been commanded to carry out the Great Commission through Christian Education, Worship and Evangelism.