36 Friendship Lane
Beaufort, SC 29907
1-843-525-1509
Call Us Anytime
Worship Services
Sunday School - 9am
Worship Service - 10am
History
We've Come This Far By Faith
Over 146 years ago, a small group of Christians departed from the Lady’s Island Baptist church and organized the Independence Baptist Church on Coosaw Island, South Carolina. The island being isolated from mainland and only accessible by boat, was vibrant community, the home to many faithful and dedicated Christians. They chose Rev. Frank Barnwell to be their first pastor. The first deacons that served with Rev. Barnwell were: Deacon Smart Bryant, William Simmons, Simon “Seed” Grant, Peter Simmons, and Toby Campbell.
1872 A small group of Christians departed from the Lady’s Island Baptist Church and organized the Independence Baptist Church on Coosaw Island, SC. The pastor of the church was Rev. Frank Barnwell. The first deacons were Smart Bryant, William Simmons, Simon Seed Grant, Peter Simmons, and Toby Campbell.
Rev. John Brown retires because of failing health. He leaves the church in the hands of Dea. James Lloyd.
Rev. John Brown passes from labor to reward and is buried at the Scottsville Baptist Church on St. Helena Island.
Jack Jones becomes the pastor of the Samaritan Baptist Church
1919-1961
The church grows and changes. Several pastors were called to lead the flock. They were Reverends, Isaac Sumpter, Israel Brisbane, and John Hutto. Under Rev. Brisbane, Deacons Charles Green and Elliott Simmons were ordained. Louis Smalls was ordained under Rev. Hutto. The church also experienced some difference of opinions and eventually a split. The Anteza Baptist Church was founded under the leadership of Rev. May Simmons. After the passing of Rev. Simmons, the following ministers were called: Rev. Michael Lawton, Rev. Jack Jones, Rev. Frank Williams, and Rev. Jack Bobian. : Deacons George Middleton, Washie Fripp, Nate Mitchell, Tom Fields, Sam Smith, Kato Fields, March Seabrook, Marcus Smalls, Ben Simmons, Siah Bailey, Henry Snipe, Christopher Williams, Harvey Middleton, Dan Johnson, Dan Jones, Harold Fields, and Ezekiel Green were ordained during this period.
The Samaritan Baptist Church and the Anteza Baptist Church merged to create the Friendship Baptist Church. The Merger is conceived and formulated by Dea. Leo G. Barnwell and the merger petition is signed by both churches the first Sunday in March 1961.
Ground breaking ceremonies were held for the construction of the new FBC on the acre of land is purchased for $40 from Louisa Williams. Rev. Jacob Hamilton conducted the services and Rev. Herbert Gadson led in prayer.
Dedicatory Services for the new church. Is held, Rev. Jacob Hamilton was named as pastor and Dea. Dan Jones was appointed as Chairman Deacon. Under the leadership of Rev. Jacob Hamilton, the following deacons were ordained: Frank Simmons and Ben Smalls, Sr.
The establishment of the Women’s Day Committee. Sisters Susie P. Smalls, Julia Moultrie, and Emily Gadson. Dea. Leo G. Barnwell was the adviser. Sis. Mae Sinclair of the Ebenezer Baptist Church of St. Helena Island was the inaugural speaker.
Under the leadership of Dea. L. G. Barnwell the FBC Jr. Choir is established.
Rev. Harry Albergottie is brought in to help guide the church because of Rev. Hamilton’s developing health problems.
Rev. Jacob Hamilton is retired by the Church because of failing health. The Church supported the beloved pastor Hamilton with monthly stipend until his passing in June of 1990.
Rev. Harry Albergottie resigns. Irvin Middleton is installed as the pastor of FBC. Under pastor Middleton’s leadership the following deacons were ordained: Isaac Moultrie, Rodney Singleton (who later changed his membership), Isiah Smalls, Terence Sanders, Andrew Johnson, Oscar Smalls (who later resigned), Leon Moultrie, Horace Brisbane, and Joe Bryant. Pastor Middleton also ordained Minister Elijah Heyward, Jr. and Minister Terence Sanders.
Dan Jones a long time pillar of the church and community is called from labor to eternal rest. Over the next two and half decades, the church continued to grow and strive. Some of the major accomplishments during that time were: Additions to the Trustee’s room, secretary’s office, pastor study, baptismal pool, nursery/education center, new windows, cushions for the pews, and a fellowship all.
Dan Jones a long time pillar of the church and community is called from labor to eternal rest. Over the next two and half decades, the church continued to grow and strive. Some of the major accomplishments during that time were: Additions to the Trustee’s room, secretary’s office, pastor study, baptismal pool, nursery/education center, new windows, cushions for the pews, and a fellowship all.
Under Pastor Middleton’s guidance and dream, the ground breaking ceremony for the FBC renovation project. This project would see the addition of 1,700 sq. ft. for offices and classrooms along with the renovation of the entire sanctuary. Gerald Neal/Neals Construction was selected as the general contractor, BB&T as the financial institution, and Dea. Isiah Smalls as the Project Manager. The congregation banded together and made whatever adaptation needed to provide a place for worship. We converted the fellowship hall to a sanctuary for worship services. Members came together for Saturday cleanups to remove construction debris, inside and outside. Service went on as usual. Many thanks to all the members but special thanks to Marie S. Smalls and Annie R. Smalls who served as assistant Project managers. Special thanks to Sis. Eleanor Howard, Josephine Daises and the Kitchen Crew who provided sustenance for the body while God provided inspiration for the soul. But most of all thank God for all that he has blessed us with nearly 7,000 sq. ft. of usable space.
Pastor Irvin Middleton retires after 30 years of service. During his time he advised and licenesed Min Elijah Heyward Jr. (April 1999), Min. Terrance Sanders (Feb. 2003), and Min. Isiah Smalls (2010). Also the ordinances of the following deacons: Horace Brisbane, Isiah Smalls, Rodney Singleton, Oscar Smalls, Terrance Sanders, Leon Moultrie, Joe Bryant, and George Daise.
Min. Isiah Smalls as elected as new Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church.
Sis. Annie Ruth Smalls retired as church secretary after serving for 53 years.
New administration staff created: Sis Shirley Sanders – Secretary, Sis Rosalyn Smalls – Accounts Payable Clerk, Sis Mary Johnson – Accounts Receivable Clerk, Sis Frederica Moultrie – Building Fund Secretary. Deacon Horace Brisbane was selected as Chairman Deacon of the Board of Deacons and Deacon Leon Moultrie as Assistant Chairman.
Mikell Seigler was ordained as a deacon, becoming the first under Pastor Isiah Smalls.
Church holds first ever, mortgage burning ceremony, celebrating the completion
Deacon ordination ceremony for Bro. Terry Grant, Bro Edward Simmons, Bro Aaron Smalls, and Bro Oscar Smalls.