October 1949
In October 1949, a newly organized group of people worshiped together for the first time. There were 40 in attendance at the home of L.S. Barron. Together these Christians sang their first hymn, Footsteps of Jesus. This marked the beginning of Friendly Baptist Church. A short time later, the group began to meet in a store front,
March 1950
Brother Ewell J. Humphries was soon called as the first pastor. In March 1950, the first building program was implemented and People's National Bank agreed to finance the building. Early in the Fall of 1950 the first sanctuary was built on the corner of Porter and Ferdell streets. In 1953, Bro. Humphries left the church. From then until 1963, Bro. G.H. Bailey, Bro. C. Goss and again Bro. Humphries pastored the church.
1957
By 1957, the church was in need of more room. While planning to expand, a tornado destroyed the original church building. The church met in the Bonner School until a new building could be completed. With the insurance and borrowed money, additional property was bought and a new sanctuary was built on the corner of Porter and Houston streets (This building presently serves as our Fellowship Hall).
1963
In 1963, the church called Bro. Milton Gardner as pastor. The church was at a low ebb; attendance was down in both Sunday School and Church. But the Lord has said "All things are possible to him who believes."
1966
In 1966, the Lord provided a beautiful new sanctuary and eight houses which were used for Sunday School rooms and parking. Sunday School attendance continued to grow reaching 576 by 1976.