Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

Friendship Baptist Celebrates 151 Years

Friendship Baptist Church was established in 1862 and independently organized in 1866, in the days after the Civil War, becoming Atlanta's first black Baptist autonomous congregation. The congregation, being unable to buy property, worshipped in a boxcar that was sent to Atlanta from Chattanooga to house the first class room of what became known as Atlanta University. An agreement was made with school organizers and Friendship leaders to share this boxcar for church services and educational purposes. The membership grew rapidly so the congregation moved to a larger building on the corner of Haynes and Markham Streets, and later to its present site at Northside Drive. Friendship's role in black education has been unique in that Morehouse College, upon moving to Atlanta from Augusta in 1879, set up classes in Friendship Baptist Church, and Spelman College had its beginning in the basement of the present site in 1881. Close ties between these institutions continue to this day.

Moving Forward in the Spirit of Christian Unity

April 21, 2013: Naming Ceremony of “The Samuel W. Williams Organ and Rededication Recital” Featuring : A. Nathaniel Gumbs, Guest Organist & Friendship Baptist Church combined Choirs, directed by Dr. James Abbington & Dr. Sharon J. Willis.

April 27, 2013: Friendship Forum Ministry Presents “The Civil Rights Movement: Past, Present & Future,” Keynote Speaker, Ms. Lula Joe Williams, former staff member of SCLC under the direction of the Late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She was active in the Civil Rights Movement as a foot soldier and Civil Rights Advocate. Panelists will include: Ms. Kimberly Mitchem-Rasmussen, founder of the Political Institute for Women, Ms. Jessica Johnson, founder of “The Scholarship Academy”, and Raymond P. Carpenter, Esq., Raymond P. Carpenter & Associates, LLC.

April 28, 2013, Anniversary Sunday, Celebrating 151 years of Christian service: Moving Forward in the Spirit of Christian Unity,” Guest Minister: The Reverend Dr. Charles G. Adams, Sr. Pastor, Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan. Music: Combined Choirs of Friendship Baptist Church, under the direction of Dr. Sharon J. Willis and Dr. James Abbington.

Comment

You need to be a member of Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta to add comments!

Join Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

Welcome to
Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta

Sign Up
or Sign In

First Five Freedoms is proud to join Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law, The Temple, and All Saints Episcopal Church for "Faith, Law, & Democracy: A Community Conversation on the Public Good and the Rule of Law" on Tuesday June 2. We hope you will consider joining us for this important discussion. Americans across the political spectrum are grappling with a shared unease: the feeling that something foundational is slipping. Trust in institutions is eroding. The norms that once governed public life are contested. And the concept of the public good — the idea that we share a common stake in fair, just, and accountable governance — is increasingly hard to find in our public discourse. This program brings together faith leaders, legal experts, and engaged community members for an evening of honest conversation about what is at stake. Hosted at All Saints Episcopal Church and co-presented by The Temple, Georgia Lawyers for the Rule of Law (GLRL), and First Five Freedoms, the event weaves together spiritual reflection, legal analysis, and civic dialogue to address one central question: What does it mean to protect the rule of law — and why does it matter for all of us, right now? The evening will include reflection, analysis, and discussion designed to:

Connect faith, law, and civic responsibility in an accessible, nonpartisan framework
Examine current challenges to the rule of law and their implications for democracy
Create space for authentic dialogue across perspectives and institutions
Foster relationships and identify opportunities for collective action

Faith, Law & Democracy, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 634 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta 30308. Featured speakers include: Rev. Natosha Reid Rice, Minister for Public Life, All Saints’ Episcopal Church; Rabbi Lydia Medwin, Associate Rabbi, The Temple; Jill Steinberg, former U.S. Attorney for Georgia’s Southern District; Al Pearson, former University of Georgia Law professor; Richard Griffiths, retired journalist, and president emeritus of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation. Registration for this event is free. Complimentary parking, food, and refreshments. REGISTER HERE