Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is a gathering of Christians located in Hamden, CT. We hope that you will stop by and worship with us if you are in the area. This site is designed to give you information about our church, our members and our staff as well as provide you with information on how to contact us.
We want to meet you where you are and hopefully help you grow in a meaningful relationship with God, through Jesus. We are people who struggle and hurt as we face the daily pressures of life. We are also people who are experiencing the life and joy of Jesus Christ in our daily lives. We would like nothing more than to have you join us as we seek, learn, and grow together in our spiritual walks with God.
Whether you're seeking God, curious about our fellowship, or attend our worship service regularly, there's something for you here. Our church exists to minister to the real needs of people with the authentic love of Jesus Christ! We invite you to experience the genuine worship, encouraging messages, friendly people and enjoyable atmosphere that are a part of our community. We hope you will come to worship study and celebrate with us often. And, if you do not have a church home, we would be honored to have you consider becoming a part of our fellowship.
If you're already a member of our church, we hope you'll take advantage of some of the resources and tools available to you. In addition, information about ministries, worship service times and community events can also be found here. Our hope is that our website will be one of many ways you stay connected to our church community.
ABOUT US
Church History
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church was founded on May 17, 1964 by The Reverend William H. Hall. The charter members were Mother Belle Hall, Deacon Louis Byrd, Deacon Charlie Moore, Louis Bentley, Clara Byrd, James Cannon, Anne Cannon, Gladys Griffin, Leo Griffin, Priscilla Griffin, Hosea Jenkins, Delores Jinks, Sadie Johnson, Sarah Senior, Mary Smith, and James Walston. The name “Friendship” was given by Mother Belle Hall, the wife of Rev. Hall, the founding pastor. Friendship Church body worshiped in various locations until purchasing a house of worship at 280 Starr Street in New Haven, CT. On November 30, 1976, Reverend Hall was called from labor to reward.
The late Rev. Julian Taylor served as interim pastor until the installation of Reverend Dr. James Curtis Johnson, in September 1977. Under the leadership of Reverend Johnson, the church membership growth surpassed the building’s capacity on Starr St. And on August 1, 1993, Friendship held its first worship service at the current location 26 Edwards Street, Hamden, CT.
After thirty years of faithful service, Reverend Johnson retired in June 2008, and the church membership appointed Reverend Dr. Brian O. Bellamy to serve as the interim pastor. In April 2009, Rev. Bellamy transitioned to become senior pastor with a unanimous vote by the church body. He was duly installed as the third pastor in September 2009. Starting in 2009, the church experienced tremendous growth with over 200 new members, added new ministries to serve the congregation and the community, including the FBC Levite’s Male Choir, the Young Adult Choir, the ordination of new Deacons, the purchase of a new 18-passenger van and launched the church savings program, affectionately known as “The Grace Account.”
On March 16, 2012, Friendship became a debt free congregation, and shortly thereafter, purchased the adjacent property at 30 Edwards Street.
In February 2021, the church underwent a leadership transition. On February 7, 2021, Rev. Bellamy preached his last sermon as Senior Pastor and Reverend Willis J. McCaw was appointed, interim pastor. Reverend McCaw served as interim pastor until November 2021. On February 6, 2022, Reverend Dr. Seesa Harris-Ellison became the new interim pastor. After two years without a Senior Pastor, Reverend Ellison was elected to the position on April 16, 2023. Reverend Ellison was installed on October 14, 2023 to serve as the fourth (and first female) Senior Pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.
The history of FBC is still being written as we are Celebrating 60 years!
“We’re on a mission to build a Friendship!” Rev. Dr. Sessa H. Ellison