Friendship Baptist Church was established circa 1892 when “...a band of Christian believers, only seventeen in number organized in an old house on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Sixth Street...The ministers who took part in this organization were Rev. Henry Wright, Rev. Allen Miles, Rev. Henry Threatt, and Rev. Alberdeen McCall. The following brethren were the first deacons: Alexander Kendrix, Sam Colbert, and Samuel Cooper. Some of the first members were Sisters Anna Kendrix, Emeline Foster, and others whose names are not recorded...” [From the church website.] The historic marker in front of the church notes that Rev. J. S. Kelsey was the first minister, from 1897-1901, and that the sanctuary was begun during his pastorate.
A remodeling and expansion which gave the church its present appearance was begun in 1919 and completed in 1922, during the 43-year pastorate of Rev. Riley King Paschal (1868-1944). His initials, RKP, are embedded in brick in the front gable. During Rev. Paschal’s tenure, Gertrude Pridgett “Ma” Rainey, who had retired from touring and returned home to Columbus, was an active member of Friendship Baptist Church.
My parents raised me and my siblings ( Ginger, Katie, Betty, Eric and Charles) at Friendship! Their names were Charles and Mary Rogers. I accepted Jesus into my heart one Sunday as Rev. Willie H Smith preached. He and his wife Betty were the sweetest people! We sang in the children’s choir under Mrs. Dora and Ms Paula Wright and later sang in the FYO! When I left for college, Rev Carter was the pastor. I remember Ann Carter his wife too who was a make up artist for Flory Roberts makeup. She was from West Virginia and she took an interest in me and taught me how to apply make up.
I remember walking to Top Hat Chicken after Thursday night choir rehearsal for the best chicken ever! My great Aunt Ms. Willie Mae was a cook there for a while. So many memories there. ❤️ I had no idea “Ma” Rainey was a member at Friendship in 1935 after she retired from traveling and singing the blues! She even joined the choir all before she passed in 1939. I also never realized we walked past her home going to school at Marshall Jr. High school too! Rich history in Columbus, Georgia.