​

In April of 2003, the “Judah and Micah Praise Team” was developed and on December 28, 2003, Rev. Sanford Miller was ordained by Pastor Smith.  During 2004 and 2005, under Pastor Smith’s leadership, the church purchased 3.5 acres of property, and five lots were given to the church.   

Pastor Smith shared his new vision with the church family.  We are currently in the third year of a four – five year phase of a new building fund program.  His vision included paying off the current mortgage the second year, which we have completed. Pastor Smith’s vision continues to include the expansion of the sanctuary and add more additional classrooms. We have acquired additional land on Sherman, Texas, and Ohio Avenues to add to our campus. In February 2011, the church was incorporated by acquiring our 501c3 status, which revised our name to New Friendship M. B. Church, Inc.

 

It has been over twenty years since the Lord has blessed us with the addition and renovation of our building and Pastor Smith saw a need for some major improvements in our facility.

Improvements that have been completed during the year of 2018 and 2019 are:

1. Purchasing of a new commercial refrigerator and freezer

2. Repairing one air and heating unit and replacing six new ones

3. Replacing one new heating furnace

4. Replacing carpet and flooring in hallways, classrooms, and bathrooms

5. Repairing and replacing sinks and vanity in both bathrooms

6. Repaired and painted gates

7. Placed cameras around the building

8. Repaired roof and replaced gutters

9. Repaired walls in Fellowship Hall from water damage

10. Replaced the double doors in Fellowship Hall

11. Painted and repaired walls inside building

12. Painted and repaired outside of building

 

To date under Pastor Smith’s leadership, God has blessed him with sixteen “Sons” and six “Daughters” in the ministry they include:

 

The late Benny Kilpatrick, Mobile, AL

The late Samuel Sales, Knoxville, TN

Steve Simpson, Pastor of Open Door Church in Knoxville, TN

Clifton Jackson, Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Morristown, TN

Sanford Miller , Pastor of New Salem Baptist Church, Knoxville, TN

William Butler, Sr., Pastor of Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church, Morristown, TN

​

Shirley King

Dennis Murphy

Bryan Tillery

Anthony Styles

Anna Marie Wade

Joyce Martin

Mildred Smith

Gregory Gaines

Charles Frazier

Mary Davis

Willa Matlock

Drishaud Hall

John Tillery

Anthony Jones, Jr.

Reginald Jackson

Gregory Yarbrough

 

The late Rev. S. E. Davis, former Pastor of Bethlehem Star Church in Knoxville and the late Rev. Charles McAfee were also members under Pastor Smith.  In 2018, Minister Dennis Murphy was ordained by Pastor Smith.

​

As New Friendship continues their journey home, we pray that it remains “Kingdom focused” and be the church that the Lord would have it to be in these last and evil days, for we know that the reward is great in heaven.

  

​

New Friendship Pastoral Order Summary:

God has spiritual blessed New Friendship with the following lovely pastors:

 

1925 - Rev. W. M. Hill                                               Rev. W. E. White

Rev. L. S. Davis                                                          Rev. J. K. Sanders

Rev. O. B. Brown                                                       Rev. S. Jordan

Rev. H. D. Fortson                                                     Rev. R. Wrancher

Rev. J. H. Hill                                                            Rev. R. L. Willis

Rev. Oscar S. Kelley                                                 Present Rev. Joseph B. Smith, Jr.

 

 

Church Summary:

Congregation:                         Friendship Baptist Church

Founded:                                 December 21, 1925

Dedicated:                              November 5, 1926

Pastor:                                     Rev. W. M. Hill

Trustees:                                  John Dixson, Charley Dixson, Joe Dardon, Henry Styles, Arthur Carter

Contractor:                              H. B. Sprankle

 

Congregation:                         New Friendship Baptist Church

Erected:                                   February 14, 1982

Dedicated:                              October 17, 1982

Pastor:                                     Rev. O. S. Kelley

Trustees:                                  Jesse Rogers, Hubert Cason, Robert Martin, Willie Dixson, John Johnson, Horace Battle, David Dixson, David Riley,

                                                Charles Brown, William Curd

Contractor:                              Ernie Owens Construction Company

 

Congregation:                         New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

Founded:                                 December 15, 1996

Dedicated:                              October 19, 1997

Pastor:                                     Rev. Joseph B. Smith, Jr.

Trustees:                                  Jesse Rogers, Hubert Cason, Robert Martin, Horace Battle, Jewel Cason, Charles Brown, William Curd, Kyle Wright,

                                                Frederick McCanelley, and Gladys Hassell

Contractor:                              Harbin Construction Company