Friendship Primitive Baptist Church Officers

2016

Deacon Board Chairman Deacon George Simmons Mother Board Chairman Mother Christine Simmons Trustee Board Chairman Deacon Billie Bryant Recording Secretaries Sister Rutha Williams Sister Mary Newsome Financial Secretaries Mother Betty Battle Sister Tabitha Moore Sister Carolyn Martin Mother Margaret Butterfield Musicians Sister Ruby Britt Brother Dexter Martin Brother Vincent Knowles Brother Jonathan Cannon, Jr. Church School Superintendent Brother Michael Allen Assistant Church School Superintendent Sister China Williams Choir President Brother Vincent Knowles Usher Board President Sister Dorothy Fisher Youth Department Chairman Sister Tabitha Moore Youth Department President Sister Alexis Griffin Women Department President Sister Lisa Knowles Nurses Guild President

FRIENDHSIP PRIMTIVE BAPTIST CHURCH Faith In Action Elder Alvin J. Ford, Pastor

Friendship P.B. Church 385 South Burnett Road

Cocoa, FL 32926 Elder Alvin J. Ford, Pastor

Email: fpbcofcocoa@gmail.com Website://www.fpbcofcocoa.org

Guest Church Zion Orthodox Primitive Baptist Church

Cocoa, Florida Elder P.L. Jones, Pastor

March 20th 3:00 p.m. Close-Out Service

Ephesians 4:15 & 16

A Church Continuing To Build On a Firm Foundation

What Really Matters

It matters not the Love you give, If you don’t give it while I live. It matters not the lovely songs The choir may sing or the many

Beautiful flowers you may bring, If in my life I have not accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior King.

It matters not how many kind words You may say or how beautiful they

May be if Jesus Christ was not Lord of my life no, none of these things Will matter at all to me. So give me my

Flowers while I can see them And speak kinds words to me while I can Hear them and feel the comfort they bring.

By Mother Louise Franklin

Greetings to you my father's children, in Christ Jesus our Savior!

I would like to take this time to say. to God be the Glory, that we

are able to celebrate 54yrs of service, worshipping, singing, and praying to our Heaven Father.

I would further like to say thank you very much to the Friendship P.B. church family for

allowing me your humble servant to serve this church, and community as a servant/leader.

This is a grand privilege to be able to serve the people of God with gladness, joy, peace, and love.

Let us continue to work together in unity for kingdom building and always remember our

church theme: Growing Up Together In Christ (Ephesians 4:15-16). In closing I would like to

remind you what the man of God said in the book of Nehemiah 4:6- So built we the walls a half

thereof, for the people had a mind to work. Coming together is the beginning, Staying together

is progress, Working together is success. I need you, and you need me, to survive, we are all a

part of God's body. Thank you very much to all our friends and family, and community

churches for participating in our 54th Church Anniversary, and we appreciate your continued

support through the years, and may God richly bless you , and may Heaven smile upon you is

my prayer.

Yours In Service

Elder Alvin J. Ford- Pastor

Church History

Friendship Primitive Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, was organized in November 1962, under the leadership of Elder P. E. Hinson and the officials of the East Florida District Primitive Baptist Association. Services were held at the C. M. E. Methodist Church on Magnolia Street in Cocoa, Florida. In December 1965, the Church agreed to purchase the property at our present location at a cost of $4,000.00. While the Edifice was being constructed, services were held at Old Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and in the Labor Temple on State Road 520. The Church was without a pastor from February, 1975 until May 1976. God smiled upon Friendship and sent Elder Edward Buckner our way. “With God, all things are possible”, and with this God sent man, Friendship has grown spiritually,

1978, carpet, pews and restrooms/lounges were added to the Sanctuary. George Simmons was ordained to the office of Deacon, he was the first to be ordained under the leadership of Elder Buckner; Christine Simmons, Louise Franklin, Leola Caldwell, Annie Mae Price and Cassie Osborne were appointed to the Mothers’ Board.

August of 1979, we broke ground for the construction of the Fellowship Hall, which was also used as our first Educational Center.

November 1982, the dedication ceremonies for the Fellowship Hall/Education Center were held.

May 1983, Air Conditioning was installed and an organ and piano purchased .

1984, renovation of the Sanctuary was completed. Our Dial-a-Christian Ministry was started and we hosted the first Community Youth Outreach Seminar. The Male Choir and Usher Board were established. In October, we became the sponsors of Girls Scout troop #250. The year ended with the Church establishing a blood bank with the Blood Bank of Central Florida.

1986, several Educational programs were initiated: Tutoring classes, which consisted of Math, English and Science. Brevard Community College sponsored a basic Adult Education Program.. Friendship also sponsored a special Bible School Class. The Mass Choir and Ushers were organized under the direction of Sister Bernadine Franklin and Sister Dorothy Fisher. Our Annual Family and Friends Fellowship Week was established in September. We also opened a Book Store, purchased additional property and broke ground for the construction of Child Care Development Center. The estimated cost of the building was $110,000.00.

1987, various community service programs were started: “Family Financial Counseling, Food Services during the holidays, and the Friendship Hour Radio Program”. This program is going into its 26th year, and is held each Sunday at 2:00 P.M. on station WWBC/1510 AM.

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In Loving Memory “Blessed in the site of the Lord is the death of his Saint”

Sister Cora Odoms 1963 Brother Richard Knowles 2003 Deacon Ed Gibson 1971 Deacon Mose Fleeton 2004 Brother Timothy Caldwell 1971 Brother Willie Berry 2004 Sister Adena Hinson 1971 Brother Abraham Freels 2005 Brother Willie Funchess 1979 Sister Evelyn Burke-Buckhalter 2005 Brother Lonnie Franklin 1981 Sister Ella Stuckey 2006 Sister Julia B. Johnson 1981 Sister Johnice Britt 2006 Sister Linda Funchess 1981 Sister Willie Lou Brightman 2007 Brother Walter Massard 1981 Sister Hattie Page 2007 Sister Mattie Browden Davis 1982 Brother Wilbur Ross 2007 Sister Lizzie Lyons 1982 Brother Tom Davis 2008 Brother Jonathan Hurd 1983 Sister Mable Devoe 2008 Sister Grace Parks 1983 Sister Constance Allen 2009 Sister Mattie Gibson 1984 Mother Cassie Osborne 2010 Brother James Reese 1984 Brother Kenneth Hankerson 2010 Sister Annie Thomas 1984 Sister Ella Singletary 2010 Sister Thelma Nelson 1985 Sister Pinkie Thomas 2011 Brother Johnny Williams 1986 Sister Annie Riley 2011 Brother Leroy Thompson 1986 Sister Tiara Battle 2012 Deacon Venson Brown 1986 Deacon James Davis 2012 Brother Thomas Baber 1986 Sister Callie Flowers 2013 Brother Clarence Colvin 1986 Elder Edward Buckner 2013 Brother D. T. Smith 1987 Sister Harriet Brothers 2013 Brother L. C. Kimbrough 1987 Mother Bessie Fleeton 2014 Mother Alberta Brown 1988 Sister Willie B. Moragne 2015 Brother Earlmon Price 1989 Sister Fannie Price 1989 Brother Thomas Fisher, Jr. 1989 Mother Angeline Hinson 1990 Sister Mary Graham 1991 Sister Jessie Thomas 1991 Elder Prince E. Hinson (Founder of Friendship) 1992 Brother Albert King 1992 Sister Annie M. Thompson 1992 Brother Jerry Thomas 1992 Brother Lewis Osborne 1992 Sister Eva Williams 1993 Mother Georgia Gilbert 1993 Brother Robert James 1994 Sister Diane Hearns 1995 Brother Terry Smith 1995 Sister Annie M. Johnson 1995 Brother Samuel Price 1996 Sister Pauline Boyd 1998 Brother Willie B. Johnson 1998 Brother George Wright 1999 Brother Terry Harley 1999 Sister Ethel McNair 1999 Mother Bertha Curry 2000 Sister Betty James 2000 Brother Mack Dupree 2000 Brother Jenterious Anderson, Sr. 2000 Sister Essie Mae Hill 2001 Mother Mary Greggs 2001 Sister Bertha Riley 2001 Sister Josie Fain 2002

History Continued In 1988—1989, the Friendship Child Care Development Center was completed. By God’s grace, the doors were opened with a Board of Directors, chaired by Sister Atlene Britt. Brother Walter Harris and Elder A. R. Carr became licensed Ministers. During this time, the Friendship Primitive Baptist Church took part in organizing the North Central Florida District Primitive Baptist Association, and became a member. Elder Buckner was elected Moderator and continues to serve as such. Tutoring Classes were re-organized with Brother Jenterious Anderson serving as the Coordinator.

1990, the Church purchased a new van, and Brother Randy Bland received his Minister’s license. A Sound Control Room was added to the Sanctuary. The Educational Committee for the Friendship Christian Academy (FCA) was formed. This Committee planned the opening of the Academy. Brothers: Izeal Battle, the late Brother James (Jerome) Davis, Charles World, Sr., and Tommy Wright Sr. were ordained as Deacons. Sisters: Betty Battle, Burnadee Davis, Leona World and Maggie Wright were appointed to the Mother's Board. The Friendship P. B. Church Women Department was organized with Sister Sharon Harris serving as President.

1993, Friendship purchased eighteen (18) acres of land, a van and a sign for the front of the Church. 1994, The Friendship Christian Academy (FCA) was opened in August serving students in Kindergarten through 4th grade. The Women Department established Annual Fundraisers (Annual Tea and Fall Bazaar) to under gird Academy expenses. They also organized a Food Donation Drive in support of the Academy. In October, the Young Adults-In-Action Ministry was organized. This Ministry was lead by Brother Jessie Guest and Sister Carolyn Hearns. Brother Lawrence Newsome preached his trial sermon the 3rd Sunday in December. He became a licensed minister of the Friendship Church. 1996, Grades 5th and 6th were added to the curriculum for the Academy, and the United Ensemble Choir and Ushers were organized.

1997, Brother Kenneth Simmons preached his trial sermon on the 4th Sunday in September, He became a licensed minister of the Friendship Church.

1999, The Day Care Center which was renamed The Friendship Family Care Center (FCC) opened it doors on February 28. This ministry continued the vision started by the Friendship Child Care and Development Center. The Center provides a comprehensive child care service to parents of children of varying ages, The Family Care Center’s Director is Mrs. Margaret Butterfield; it services infants [six (6) weeks ) to children up to twelve (12) years of age. On June 1st, the Friendship Food Pantry was started. This ministry provides the community with food and information for those in need. It is headed by Mother Barbara Bryant, she is assisted by sisters and brothers of the church. Regular volunteers in the past included Eva Smith Mary Bowen, Atlene Britt, Mary Bland Leona World, and Douglas Brinson.

2000, Brothers: Billy Bryant, Joseph Butterfield and Ira Davis were ordained as Deacons. Sisters: Barbara Bryant, Margaret Butterfield and Barbara Davis were appointed to the Mothers Board.

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History Continued

2007, The Nurses Guild was formed with Sister Linda Jones serving as President. The Youth Department infrastructure was re-organized, Brother Victor Patterson, Chairman and Sister Tabitha Moore, President of the Youth Advisory Board.

2008, The Bathrooms in the Foyer were re-furbished, The Choir and Usher Board infrastructure was re-organized to serve as one committed unit.

2012, Church website developed: www.fpbcofcocoa.org\

2013, Our beloved Pastor of 37 years passed. Elder Buckner a man of vision ,integrity and huge heart was a pillar in the Primitive Baptist Church, his Community and our Church. His 37 years of service through God’s divine provision increased the membership from the founding 12 to 200 plus members. Pastor Buckner instilled in us the principles of God, our Church Doctrine and Love one for another. He was a strong disciplinarian, yet compassionate. He loved us and we loved him. His presence is sorely missed, however his legacy will live forever as we continue to build on the foundation he has provided, and live by the biblical principles he instilled in us.

2015, Friendship was blessed to call Elder Alvin J. Ford as pastor. Elder Ford is the 3rd Pastor in Friendships Church History, we thank God for him and his family. We look forward to the wonderful things that God will do through his ministry as we continue in our Churches motto: Growing Up Together In Christ.

God has richly blessed the Friendship Primitive Baptist Church. The many blessings, which He has bestowed upon us, are through obedience to His Word, and seeking Him first for guidance and direction. To God Be the Glory for the great things he has and continues to do!

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Zion Orthodox Primitive Baptist Church Cocoa, Florida

Elder P. L. Jones, Pastor Sunday, March 20, 2016

3:00 P.M.

O r d e r o f S e r v i c e Devotion ......................................................................... Zion Orthodox P. B. Church

Selection ........................................................................................................... Choir

Doxology ................................................................................................. Praise God

Responsive Reading .................................................................................. John 3:16

Selection ........................................................................................................... Choir

Welcome .................................................................................. Mother Willow Britt

Selection ........................................................................................................... Choir

Sermon ............................................................................................. Elder P. L. Jones

Invitation to Discipleship Offering ............................................................................ Deacons of Zion Orthodox

Financial Presentations ............................................................................ Wards 1-7

Remarks .................................................................................... Deacon Billie Bryant

Closing Remarks ............................................................................ Elder Alvin J. Ford

Benediction ...................................................................................... Elder P. L. Jones

Dinner Served immediately following services in the Fellowship Hall