On March 28, 1908, with approximately 36 people gathered in a small frame structure on 16th and Russell Avenue, Rev. G.C. Mason, Moderator of the Wood River Baptist Association, along with the Ecclesiastical Council composed of Rev. J.A. Crockett, S.L. Edwards, J.H. Nicholson and Rev. Moses DeShields was invited to organize the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.  Our first pastor was J.W. Bolden.

The church was without a leader between February 4, 1911 and May 26, 1911.  During that same year, Minister E. Gibson was elected to serve as Pastor.  On July 4, 1911, God blessed Friendship in a mighty way and we moved to our present site, 1648 Tudor Avenue.  Under Pastor Gibson's leadership, The Silver Leaf Usher Ministry, Teachers' Training Class for Sunday School and a Choir was organized.

There was a rapid succession of many pastors, among them: Pastor Red, Pastor Globe Spenser, Pastor Mitchell, Pastor Watson, Pastor Churchwell Moody, Pastor Oliver Golber and Pastor Walter.  Under Pastor Churchwell's administration, Friendship tore down the little old frame shack that had long ago leaned so much to the side, that it appeared unsafe.  In its' place, a substantial basement was erected.   All of these leaders contributed, in their own way, something good to the glory of God.

On December 18, 1930, Minister Lester Thomas Phinnessee was called to pastor Friendship.  We had a membership of fewer than 200, five ministries and a church debt.  Under his leadership and with God's grace, many wonderful things happened.  On November 28, 1937, a Mortgage Burning Ceremony was held and the church's debt was liquidated.  Immediately plans were made to erect an auditorium on the basement, construction was completed March 17, 1940.  In 1940, Friendship was the first church in this area to start a live radio broadcast.  The membership grew so large that it was necessary to enlarge our sanctuary and accommodations for worship service.  Pastor Phinnessee had a vision of a new edifice and on June 10, 1956, Friendship moved into a new full service church building with a seating capacity of approximately 1000.  Pastor Phinnessee was the sole architect, general contractor and superintendent of the building project.  Still located at 17th and Tudor, Pastor Phinnessee's vision became a reality and still stands as a monument of faith.

On February 28, 1982, Minister Frederick E. Wilson was elected pastor.  He preached his first sermon on March 14, 1982.  Many ministries were already established when Pastor Wilson came and more were added after his arrival including the Kingdom Living Broadcast.   Other advances during this administration included the Transportation Ministry, an increase in the Ministerial and secretarial/bookkeeping staff, church renovations, and a new grand piano.  On the 80th birthday of our church, installation of the Stone Setting into the Church was completed.

In July of 1997, God sent us the Pastor he ordained and anointed, to lead us into the 21st century in the person of Tonnie P. Bradford, an Associate Minister at Hopewell M.B. Church in St. Louis, Missouri.  On November 8, 1997, Friendship elected Minister Tonnie P. Bradford as pastor and installation services were held December 28, 1997.  Our new young pastor's commitment to caring for God's people is only surpassed by his strong belief in teaching and preaching God's Word.  In only a short time, Pastor Bradford, with the strong support of the Membership have started the Children's Church Ministry, Social Services Ministry, computerized the administrative, membership, and financial areas of the church, instituted formalized structures and processes for the daily operations of church business, and began renovations to the church building and grounds.  Church membership has increased with new members joining and others renewing their membership.  God has found favor in this ministry and to Him we give all the glory and the praise.