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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH IN AIKEN FOR ITS DEEP HERITAGE AND TO CONGRATULATE THE CONGREGATION AND PASTOR ON THE CELEBRATION OF ITS ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY.
Whereas, the members of the Senate are pleased to learn that Friendship Baptist Church in Aiken will celebrate the one hundred fiftieth anniversary of its founding on November 20, 2016; and
Whereas, Friendship African Baptist Church had its origin in a brush harbor on Kershaw Street in Aiken. After the Civil War, the group was taken in by the First Baptist Church. After a race riot in 1865, many members saw the need to create a church for African Americans; and
Whereas, Reverend John Phillips, an ex-slave, aided by Reverend Luscious Cuthberth, a white minister, led this community of people into creating the Friendship African Baptist Church. Construction of the church was completed in 1866; and
Whereas, during the annual revival in August 1893, a fire destroyed the original wooden building. The church rebuilt using brick, and the structure was completed in 1894. The Gothic style interior was designed and constructed by Mr. S. Otts, a white Christian and architect; and
Whereas, the campus of Friendship Baptist Church is composed today of the church, the N.L. Bush Educational Building, and the church parsonage. The church was granted historic status by the city of Aiken and was designated on the Aiken Historic Register in 1994; and
Whereas, Friendship Baptist Church has been a leading spiritual force in the community and beyond. Through partnerships with Benedict College and South Aiken Presbyterian Church, Friendship Baptist Church enriches the lives of young people; and
Whereas, Friendship Baptist Church is also involved with the Community Involvement Corporation, the Food Outreach Program, and the Eagle Enrichment Program, which provide services to those in need; and
Whereas, currently under the leadership of Reverend Clinton Edwards, the members of the Senate expect that Friendship Baptist Church will continue to serve as a beacon of hope to those in the Aiken area for many years to come. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Friendship Baptist Church in Aiken for its deep heritage and congratulate the congregation and pastor on the occasion of its one hundred fiftieth anniversary.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Reverend Clinton Edwards.
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