Friendship Baptist Church celebrates 125 years at special service Saturday

Friendship Baptist church of Kennett will be celebrating its 125th Anniversary on Saturday, October 8. The church was organized in 1860 and officially established in 1880, R.H. Douglas was the original pastor. The celebration on Saturday will begin at noon and festivities will include a meal in the fellowship hall followed by a special reading of the church history accompanied by music. [Click to enlarge]

Friendship Baptist church is a rural church on the outskirts of Kennett that has established itself with many area residents of different generations. Organized in 1860 and officially established in 1880, R.H. Douglas was the original pastor, the church is now home to a congregation led by pastor Dave Million and is approaching a 125th year anniversary celebration.

Like many in the congregation, Peggy Masterson has recollections of 50 years or more with the church.

" This church has been a part of my life for so long now it is like home for me, and the people here are my family," said Masterson.

She continued to describe the church as a union, people for people, helping one another and demonstrating a great faith in God along the way.

"If one person here has a problem, everyone is there, it really is amazing," she said.

Joan Lewellyng is also a member of the church, who has attended since her youth, and agrees that the church has always seemed to be favored by God over the long years. When many rural churches become extinct this small church has grown, and better yet, not only survived but thrived in his Glory.

"We have the original minutes from August 4, 1880," said Lewellyng.

The church was appropriately named Friendship August, 22 1880.

On Saturday, October 9, the Baptist church will have fellowship and celebration of its success in the Lord and in the community.

The festivities will include a meal in the fellowship hall followed by the history of Friendship prepared and read by Lewellyng who alongside, Masterson and other members have shared their memories in a collection of informative history.

Pastor Million will also take part in a special introduction in honor of his new position with the church. Million and his family are originally from Piedmont, Missouri and he was the pastor for Tabernacle Baptist church before filling the vacancy at Friendship Baptist that was in existence for over one year.

Masterson and Lewellyng agreed that Million has been very well received by everyone at church.

"We have seen pastors come and go over the years and loved them all," said Masterson.

Booklets will be available which contain information dating back to the origins of the church. People give their, sometime hilarious accounts of the church history, but most of all it is heartwarming. Inside the booklet there is a "remember when" page that presents individual accounts of experiences with the church.

The people at Friendship have planned a wonderful celebration that will commence at noon.