The founders of Friendship AME have gone on, but the Spirit remains.
Friendship African Methodist Episcopal Church on Martin Luther King Boulevard hosted its 155th Church Anniversary this month with denomination leaders from the across the state and leaders from across the community gathering to celebrate the day.
Rev. Archie R. Smith, Presiding Elder of the Northwest District was the keynote speaker.
“To a large extent you are your heritage,” said Smith. “The heritage of this church is deep and you can feel it today.
“Those who went before you laid a solid foundation on Jesus Christ and it has not been shaken, nor has it changed,” Rev. Smith added. “This church continues to change lives and this community by bringing people to the salvation of Jesus Christ.”
Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn McClure Pitts is Pastor and she spoke of the church’s history in Clarksdale.
“Friendship is one of the oldest churches in the area and land was given by Clarksdale founder John Clark,” said Rev. Pitts. “The church was also home to the first school for black children.”
She pointed out the church moved several times before locating at 120 Martin Luther King Blvd. She said the building burned, but was rebuilt with member funding in a year.
“The building is historic but The Church is eternal,” said Pitts. “We are blessed with a heritage. We are proud of that heritage.”
