Friendship Baptist Church History
Our History, Serving God
After Rev. Boyd’s death in 1918, Rev. Silas Charles Doyle became the second pastor. Under his leadership, the church grew in membership, Sunday School, youth work, music, and ministry activities. In 1926 the church relocated again, first worshiping under a tent and later meeting at Lyric Hall until a new building at 17th and Tracy was completed. That building was destroyed by fire on December 15, 1939. In 1940, Friendship purchased the Scottish Rites building at 1024 East Truman Road. After Rev. Doyle’s death in 1941, Rev. E. J. Johnson briefly served as the third pastor.
The Rev. Isaiah Hilkiah Henderson, Jr.
In March 1944, Rev. Isaiah Hilkiah Henderson, Jr. became the fourth pastor and served for thirty-nine years.
During his leadership, the church continued to grow and expanded its auxiliaries and outreach and included scouting programs, a church library and athletic teams. The church later relocated to 43rd and Montgall in 1961.
Earlier Church Activities
The mortgage was paid and burned in just two years, during Rev. Henderson’s leadership. The Friendship Village Apartments were constructed. Rev. Henderson died on September 17, 1983.
The Rev. Clifford Eugene McLain.
On the 1st Sunday in January 1985, the 5th pasture of Friendship, Clifford Eugene McLain , occupied the pulpit, and by December of that year, Friendship bought 36 acres of land and began making plans to build a new church. Ground was broken at the 71st Church Anniversary on November 16, 1986; Friendship moved into the new church on October 7th, 1989. During Rev. McLain’s pastorate, average attendance reached a high, more than 800 congregants per Sunday. In February, 1992, pastor McLain resigned to move to Louisiana to assume the pastorate of his late father’s church.
Dr. Manuel Lamont Dillingham became the sixth pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in February 1993 and faithfully served the congregation for seven years. During his tenure, Dr. Dillingham provided leadership during a period filled with challenges that contributed to the continued development and growth of the church, including the completion of the kitchen and gymnasium. His steadfast service represented an important chapter in Friendship’s history as the congregation continued strengthening its ministry and expanding its facilities.
Dr. Manuel Lamont Dillingham
The Reverend James Allen Terrance, Jr.
Following Dr. Dillingham’s resignation, Friendship Baptist Church, by an overwhelming majority, elected Reverend James Allen Terrance, Jr., of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as its seventh pastor on January 18, 2003. His installation services were held March 22–23, 2003. Under Pastor Terrance’s leadership, Friendship has continued to experience significant growth and advancement. The church campus has experienced several upgrades and renovations, including the completed construction of the 3.8 million Lisk Center for Youth Development. Our community involvement and ministry development continue to increase in worship, prayer, Bible study, discipleship, ministry impact, and facility expansion, building upon the church’s rich legacy while positioning the congregation for an even greater future.
Dr. Manual Lamont Dillingham became the sixth pastor in February 1993 and served for seven years, helping complete the kitchen and gymnasium. After his resignation in 2001, Friendship Baptist Church by an overwhelming majority, elected James Allen Terrance, Jr. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as the seventh pastor on January 18, 2003. Installation services were held on March 22and 23rd, 2003. Under Pastor Terrance’s leadership, Friendship has continued to grow in worship, prayer, bible study, discipleship, ministry impact, and facility expansion.
Burning of the Mortgage on the New Sanctuary & GYM
This picture features Rev. James A. Terrance, Jr. To his left is Chairman of Deacons Henry Dixson, and to his right is Chairman of Trustees Audrey Davis. The occasion was the burning of the mortgage on the new sanctuary and gymnasium, commemorating the church’s achievement in paying off the debt on these facilities.
