Church History 

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On December 21, 1925, after splitting from the First Calvary Baptist Church, we began to meet in the home of Bro. Charley Dixson at 1946 West Ohio Avenue.  Soon enough money was raised for a down payment to purchase a lot from H. B. Sprankle.  Mr. Sprankle erected a church building on November 10, 1926.  The new fellowship was called Friendship Baptist Church and Rev. W. M. Hill served as the first pastor. 

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As the membership grew, the church was enlarged again under the pastorate of Rev. O. B. Brown.  After the resignation of Rev. Brown, Rev. S. Jordan became pastor.  The church bought a lot and built a block building.  Under the leadership of Rev. J. W. Hill, the back portion of the property was grated and a cafeteria was erected.  Rev. R. L. Willis was the next pastor and during his leadership, the inside of the building was remodeled. 

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In August of 1975, a small group of church members discussed having a building fund.  The church goal was set at $10,000.  On February 14, 1982, under the leadership of Rev. Oscar S. Kelley, we had our groundbreaking ceremony.  Ernie Owens Construction Company of Knoxville began construction of the new church.  The church began having Sunday school and Worship Service at the Unity Mortuary on February 21, 1982.  On Sunday, September 26, 1982, we marched from the Senior Citizen Building on Goins Drive to our new Church home on 1933 Texas Avenue.

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On Sunday, October 17, 1982, Rev. Jesse Williams and his congregation from St. Mary’s Baptist Church of Harriman, Tennessee did our dedication service.  The cornerstone service was held on December 26, 1982, with Rev. Theo Waters and his congregation of Oak Grove A.M.E. Zion church worshipping with us.

The following men became preachers under the ministry of Rev. O. S. Kelley:

• A. C. Dixson

• Joseph B. Smith, Jr.

• R. R. Stigall

• Gregory McDowell

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On November 6, 1983, Rev. Kelley retired from the ministry due to poor health.  On November 13, 1983, Rev. Joseph B. Smith, Jr. was recommended to the church to become pastor of the New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.  The church members agreed and Rev. Smith became the Pastor of New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

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Many things, seen and unseen have been accomplished during Pastor Smith’s tenure. Two church vans and a lift bus were purchased to provide transportation for the members and others needing transportation to church. 

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A new building fund was set and surrounding properties were purchased with a vision for enlarging the church building.  On December 15, 1996, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to begin the renovation of our church building.  On January 5, 1997, we began Sunday school and Worship services at the Sam E. Hill School on Delaware Avenue. 

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Harbin Construction Company of Knoxville was the contractor who performed the renovation.  The renovation included the remodeling of the sanctuary, adding a multipurpose facility (dedicated to the late Rev. O. S. Kelley), and the addition of an education wing, which includes classrooms, computer room, library, audio and sound room, and a child nursery. 

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On August 21, 1997, we marched from the Sam E. Hill School to worship in the newly renovated facility.  Several activities and programs were developed:  the Freedom School, H.Y.P.E. Saturday, Rhapsody Dance Ministry, Senior Gala, aerobics, and care callers, G-Phi-G Step Ministry, Rhapsody Phase II, and the purchasing of audio equipment and a large projector screen in the fellowship hall.  On Sunday, October 19, 1997, Rev. Jesse Williams and his congregation from St. Mary’s Baptist Church of Harriman, Tennessee did our Dedication Service.