OUR HISTORY
1946.
The New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church was organized by Rev. Stroy Freeman in the basement of the Tabernacle Baptist Church at 4130 South Indiana on May 15, 1946, with 22 chartered members. The congregation remained at this location for eleven months.
1947.
With the rapid growth in membership, on May 1, 1947, the congregation was able to move into the church building at 144 W. 59th Street. God continued adding to the membership and within four years, the $65,000 mortgage was burned.
1961.
The substantial growth in membership demanded an even larger church and greater facilities. On the 5th Sunday of October 1961, God blessed us with the current magnificent edifice at 844 W. 71st Street. Within five and a half years, on October 23, 1967, the church celebrated the burning of the $200,000 mortgage.
1961 - 1982.
God’s blessings continued to pour out on Pastor Freeman and the church, and it grew both spiritually and by increased membership. Many department and ministries were established, including Sunday School, the Red Circle, the Missionary Society, the Usher Board, just to name a few. The Music Department consisted of three choirs: the Inspirational, the Young Adult, and the Tiny Tots, later re-named the Freemanites, in honor of Pastor Freeman.
1982.
After 36 years of dedicated service to God and the congregation, our Shepperd, the Rev. Dr. Stroy Freeman was taken from labor to his promised reward. This was a somber day for all of us. However, God already had a “ram in the bush,’ and on July 28, 1982, Rev. Edwin Simmons, who was ordained by Pastor Freeman in May 1962 and served as an Associated Minister, was called to pastor New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.
1982 - 2019.
Pastor Simmons picked up the mantel and carried it for the next 27 years; boldly preaching and teach the Word of God. Rev. Simmons retired from pastoring on December 31, 2019, and was bestowed the title of Pastor Emeritus. Sadly, Pastor Simmons made his transition on April 15, 2020.
2021.
The management of the church was in the dedicated hands of the Official Board. However, in the absence of a pastor, the spiritual leadership and director of the Diocese was still necessary. Recognizing her wisdom, commitment to the Gospel and skill in leadership and diplomacy, Rev. Frances Key-Love was commissioned to lead the Diocese. Rev. Fran graciously accepted and served in that leadership capacity from June 2020 through September 2021.
During that time, an extensive search for a pastor was conducted, and on August 29, 2021, Rev. Steven D. Lewis, Jr. was elected as the new pastor. With the ending of Rev. Lewis’s term, the church resumed the search for a pastor. Again, Rev. Fran resumed the auspicious moment to direct the Diocese. With Rev. Fran’s capable leadership, the “Ship” was steered through turbulent waters.
2024 - Present.
God continued to sustain and bless New Friendship to be resilient. On July 15, 2024, a special meeting was called, at which Rev. Teondrell Bickart was voted Interim Pastor. Rev. Bickart was presented to the congregation on Sunday, August 4, 2024. Since taking the helm of the “Ship,” Rev. Bickart has embraced the mission of “Rebuilding and Restoring.”
With the Lord as our leader, our God and our keeper, and the legacy of our perseverance, the New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is moving forward by faith!