Friendship Baptist Church is the oldest Baptist congregation in Thomas County, established near the Florida line a few miles south of present-day Metcalfe. Its first congregants met in a log structure at least as early as the late 1830s. The earliest burial I can find in the cemetery located adjacent to the original church dates to circa 1840. An interesting fact is that many members of the Roddenberry family were early and active members, and pioneer settlers in the area. These are the same Roddenberrys known for their syrups and other foods, as well as the ancestors of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the cult phenomenon Star Trek.

Apparently, the log church served them well. The coming of the railroad brought growth to the new village of Metcalfe, and the congregation decided to relocate to a more substantial structure to accommodate their expanding numbers. They built this handsome structure between 1884-1888 and have thrived here ever since. The pride members have taken in this place is obvious, as it is very well maintained. The original cemetery is still in use.