A Brief History of Friendship Baptist Church
The history of the Black Baptist Churches in Schenectady began shortly after World War I when a small group of dedicated people came together in worship. Before coming together, this group worshiped singularly and collectively, in other churches within the community. Their merger marked the birth of Friendship Baptist Church, the oldest Black Baptist Church in Schenectady, New York.
The first church building was a small shanty on Railroad Avenue, the current site of the Washington Avenue Amory. On the first Sunday in October 1919, the congregation established a Baptist Mission. Shortly thereafter, they adopted the name Mount Horeb Baptist Church. The church remained on Railroad Avenue until 1923 when it relocated to 141 Washington Avenue, in the historic Stockade section of the city. Services were held by a host of itinerant preachers until the latter part of 1923, when the church called it’s first pastor, the Reverend Ponds. Reverend Ponds served for approximately six months. He was followed by Reverend Wormsley, who served until 1925.
In 1925, Reverend Morgan Days was called to the Pastorate. It was under his leadership that signs of growth became visible. During his ministry, the name of the church was changed to Community Baptist Church. Reverend Days remained with the church until 1937. After a year without a pastor, Reverend Lafayette Cox was called to lead the church. Reverend Cox remained with the Church from 1938 to 1942 until he entered the military where he served as a Chaplain until his retirement. Upon his return to Schenectady, he resumed his association with the church, as a member. A cross and candlesticks were placed on the altar in his memory.
Reverend W. H. Revies served as a Pastor from 1943-1945. During his ministry, the church outgrew its location and purchased a new church home on College Street, also located in the Stockade. Along with the new property came a new name. The church became known as Friendship Baptist Church and was incorporated as a religious corporation. Reverend Gerald White followed Reverend Revies, serving as Pastor for four years.
In early 1950, Reverend Richard Dixon, Sr., became Pastor. Under his leadership, Friendship became one of the first churches in the Capital District to sponsor a Sunday morning radio broadcast. Over the next three years, the church was able to purchase its first organ, piano and a large oil heating unit.
Reverend Joseph Moore served as Pastor from June 1, 1953-1959. His religious fervor and community interest drew many new members to the congregation. In 1956, an edifice was purchased for $30,000, from First Baptist Church, at the current church location. Reverend James Williams served as Associate Minister under Reverend Moore.
Reverend Robert Raspberry was called to lead the church in 1959 and remained until 1962 when he resigned to further his education. Under the leadership of Rev. Moore and Rev. Raspberry, Friendship became active in denominational affairs and served as host for Baptist denominational meetings.
In February 1963, Reverend Harold E. Pinkston accepted the call to the Pastorate. It was during his service that a parsonage was purchased in Scotia, New York. Friendship became a tithing church and there was strengthening of fellowship with other churches in the community. Two years later, Reverend Carl B. Taylor accepted the call to the Pastorate. During his tenure, the church membership grew. Our programs of missions, Christian education and fellowship were inspirational. The congregation increased its participation in inter-denominational and community activities and held membership in national, state and local Baptist and religious organizations.
The original building erected in 1854, was in need of extensive repair or replacement. Under Rev. Taylor’s leadership, encouragement and shared vision, the membership completed the task of building a new church. The church was dedicated in January, 1984. To preserve memories and artifacts from the old church, the bell, cast in 1857, was removed from its original tower. It remains as part of the architecture of the new church. This historic bell was one of four bells which tolled in Schenectady during funeral observances of President Abraham Lincoln. The irreplaceable stained glass windows from the old church, now adorn the windows of the sanctuary. Reverend Taylor retired as Pastor in November 1994 and became Pastor Emeritus. Reverend Catherine Patterson, Associate Minister under Reverend Taylor, served as Interim Pastor from November 1994 until February 1998. She was the first female appointed to the position.
In 1998, Reverend Van Isaac Wayne Stuart accepted the call to lead the church. He emphasized Bible Study and Christian leadership in the community. Under his pastorate, the church mortgage was paid off, a new bus was purchased and a new central air conditioning unit was installed. In 2002, Friendship served as host for the Central Hudson Baptist Association’s Annual Convention. After ten years as Pastor, Reverend Stuart resigned to further his education, among other pursuits.
From February 2008 until 
December 2009, Friendship Baptist Church was under the leadership of the Deacon Ministry while the search for a new pastor was underway. The congregation was spiritually served by Associate Minister, Reverend Catherine Patterson and Ministers from other churches.
On October 23, 2009, as God ordained, Friendship Baptist Church proudly called William Lynn Hamilton as its thirteenth pastor. His first sermon was preached on December 6, 2009, entitled, “As for Me And My House.” Reverend Hamilton’s Installation Celebration was held on February 28, 2010. He has delivered the preached word with power, purpose and persuasion, ever since.