Friendship is a church who believes that receiving Jesus Christ as our Savior draws us together.
Founded in 1861 by twenty-five enslaved African Americans under
the pastoral leadership of Reverend Frank Quarles (1819-1881),
Friendship has maintained its commitment to faithfulness,
stewardship and unity for over 160 years.
the pastoral leadership of Reverend Frank Quarles (1819-1881),
Friendship has maintained its commitment to faithfulness,
stewardship and unity for over 160 years.
Friendship is committed to caring for one another, offering
encouragement and forgiveness, and fostering grace and unity.
Wherever life takes us, we strive to uphold these guiding principles,
by joining with others to live out the truth and spirit of God’s word.
Kelly M. Smith, Jr.
Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Kelly M. Smith, Jr. became Pastor in March 2024,
becoming the eighth leader in Friendship’s 163-year lineage.
Dr. Smith has served in the pastoral ministry for over forty years.
becoming the eighth leader in Friendship’s 163-year lineage.
Dr. Smith has served in the pastoral ministry for over forty years.
THE MISSION
We strive to LIVE the teachings of Jesus Christ,
extend His LOVE, and LEAD people to him
OUR VISION
To be the church Christ calls us to be: led by the Holy
Spirit; united in purpose; bold in faith; boundless in
love; and transformed in His image
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Friendship Baptist Church is affiliated with the American Baptist
Churches of the South (ABCOTS), Atlanta Missionary
Baptist Association; New Era Baptist State Convention; American
Baptist Churches and Regional Units and Baptist World Alliance