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Letter to the editor

Congregation marks two milestones

Friendship Missionary Baptist pays off a mortgage and celebrates 79 years.

By WAVENEY ANN MOORE
Published June 3, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - It was just nine years ago that Friendship Missionary Baptist Church moved to a large, new campus next to Boyd Hill Nature Park.

For months previously, the 1, 700-member congregation had worshiped in a borrowed church, attended Bible studies at another and held choir practice at a third.

On a Sunday in June 1998, however, they worshiped for the first time at a new $2.2-million property.

This year they have another reason to rejoice.

The church has paid off its $1.7-million mortgage in eight years and nine months and is looking forward to building an expansion that will include a new Christian academy.

A weeklong celebration begins today and will culminate with a "mortgage-burning victory" service at 4 p.m. June 10

Speaking about his congregation's accomplishment, the Rev. John A. Evans Sr. gave credit to its application of biblical principles.

"We did it through stewardship, teaching tithing and offerings, " said Evans, who has been at the church for almost 10 years.

"It was strictly biblical, no gimmicks, no propaganda. We didn't sell any dinners or hold any fundraisers. All of the gifts that were given to the church were used prudently."

He said the congregation greeted news of the mortgage satisfaction with thunderous applause.

"Very vibrant praises went out throughout the sanctuary. That's why we are planning for this grand celebration, to let the congregation know what can be accomplished when you maintain sound doctrine and prudent financial practices, " said Evans, 50.

Local and out-of-town pastors will join the congregation for its celebration. Among them will be gospel singer and civil rights leader the Rev. Clay Evans, who also is pastor emeritus of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago.

The Rev. Larry Mills, moderator of the West Coast Baptist Association, and the Rev. James B. Sampson, president of the Florida General Baptist Convention, also will travel to St. Petersburg. In addition to the services, Friendship Missionary Baptist will hold a picnic at Campbell Park.

The church also is celebrating its 79th anniversary. Its old sanctuary at 2315 18th Ave. S has found new use. The building was bought by the Pinellas County School District and transformed into a theater for Perkins Elementary School.

On Thursday, magnet coordinator Pat Archibald gave a tour of what is now the Al Downing Theater, named after the legendary local jazz musician.

"I had a chance to attend a church service before it belonged to Perkins, " Archibald said, "and the acoustics were wonderful."

These days the former church lobby is decorated with Lion King costumes and a mural featuring Downing. In addition, the blue-cushioned pews provide seating for a theater audience of about 200.

Friendship Missionary Baptist also has changed since its move a few blocks south. Though it remains predominantly African-American, Evans said the congregation is becoming increasingly diverse.

"The last year or two, we have had a great increase in other ethnicities and certainly other races, " Evans said.

In the next few months, the church at 3300 31st St. S plans to buy adjacent property for a family life center, the pastor said. It will include classrooms, offices, the youth department, a chapel and a Christian academy, he said.

Waveney Ann Moore can be reached at moore@sptimes.com or 727 892-2283.

If you go

One word: Amen!

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church's 79th anniversary and mortgage burning celebration is today to June 10, 3300 31st St. S, St. Petersburg. Call (727) 906-8300 or go to www.fmbctheship.org.

[Last modified June 2, 2007, 20:34:35]