Friendship Missionary Baptist Church has a rich history that spans over 91 years. A group of praying brothers and sisters, the Atkins, Denmark’s, Dukes’, Newkirk’s, Bakers, Webb’s and Williams’ came together in Christian fellowship and organized the Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church during the year of 1928.

The first location was 9^thAvenue South, between 25^thand 26^thStreet South, but later moved to 8^thAvenue South and 24^thStreet South.  The Reverend S.T. Stewart was called to Pastor this body, and he served faithfully.  

In 1930, the Church called Reverend A.S. Harris from the First Mount Zion Baptist Church, part of First Mount Zion merged with New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church.  Reverend Harris and the members decided to change the name of the Church to the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. After committing to much prayer, the Reverend W.N. Stephens. The Reverend W.H. Henderson and Reverend Cordey carried on the Lord’s work until the Reverend J.L. Cooper was called as Pastor.  Pastor Cooper was a great preacher who served tirelessly for several years, until his passing.

Again, the Church was committed to prayer for the task ahead, during this period, the Reverend A.D. Dowdell, along with the other Ministers served until Reverend J.P. Austin of Babson Park, Florida was called to Pastor.

In 1961, the Church called the Reverend C.J. Long, as Pastor.  During his leadership, a new Parsonage was constructed.

In 1972, the Reverend Bragg L. Turner served as Pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church until the Reverend F.G. Jackson was called. Pastor Jackson was a great preacher and Bible teacher. During his service the Church was able to purchase new property, as the Interstate 275 was making its way through Saint Petersburg.  Pastor Jackson served diligently for thirteen years, and many Souls were saved and turned over to the Lord.  We thank God for the Blessing.  Pastor Jackson departed in 1986.

In 1986, the Reverend Jerry Dell Mangum was elected as Interim Pastor, and served with great enthusiasm. He was then called as Full-time Pastor, August 1986.  Pastor Mangum took Friendship in a positive direction, he was another great preacher/teacher and leader.  Under his leadership, Friendship grew spiritually and financially as a result, in 1987, the Church Mortgage was burned. Pastor Jerry Dell Mangum’s sudden death on October 25, 1995, caused the Church to be in Mourning over his passing. Our devoted Associate Ministerial Staff, Reverend Ulysses Daniels, Reverend Kenneth Goolsby and Reverend Edward Booker served Friendship faithfully during this time.

In July 1996, the Pinellas County School Board brought the property at 2315 18^thAvenue South, which presented the Church with the opportunity to purchase six (6) acres of land at 3300 Country Club Way South, where the new Edifice was to be built by March of 1998.

October 1, 1997, Pastor Evans began his duties as the new Pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. He was Officially Installed on November 23, 1997.

Under the Leadership of Pastor Evans, we were embarking on a “New Beginning.”  The Church’s Mission Statement was the Phrase: The SHIP –Serving and Saving, Help and Healing, Inspiring and Instructing, Praying and Praising. Under Pastor Evans leadership the church has grown to have over 2000 active members 

The Ship has come a long way with the help of the Lord and the chosen men of God to lead His people. For eyes have not seen, neither have ears heard what great things are in store for Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.