Our Story
In 1850, Friendship United Methodist Church and Cemetery were founded on land given by Mr. James Jackson (J.J.) Harris. The church, a small log structure, was built by Mr. Stephen Pitts and his uncles. First, Friendship was a member of the Georgia-Florida conference, and Mr. Ira Potter served as Pastor, coming two or three times a year holding Sunday afternoon service. In 1870, a larger log church was built on the same site to accommodate the growing membership of twenty-five. The pulpit was not filled regularly, but Sunday School was held every Sunday afternoons. Also, the church building served as a school house for the community. In 1891, the Methodists moved their church to the present site in Donalsonville (corner of Woolfork and 3rd Street), on land given by Mr. John E. Donalson and Mr. S.B. Stern. With the help of the Mission Board, they erected a frame building with a belfry whose bell now hangs in the iron frame.
October 10th, 2018 was a pivotal date in the life of our community. Hurricane Michael changed our landscape and life as we knew it. Out of the destruction came a new vision for our congregation. We now have a renewed focus on serving our community. We are connecting to those who have been disconnected from God. We are faithfully growing disciples to go out into the streets and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Church has grown tremendously since its founding in 1850. We now have two worship services and five separate buildings for ministry to the community.
The future is bright! We are looking forward to what is to come for the congregation of Friendship! We know that God is alive and working!
