On February 9, 1880, a group of interested people purchased a three-acre tract of land for $30 in
the Gideon Hill section of Clinton, South Carolina. The land was purchased for the purpose of
constructing a place of religious worship.
The first shelter was a brush harbor on Bell Place, which is now Bell Street. The decision was made
to name the church “Friendship” to denote the fact that it was indeed a group of friends involved in
the project. The Reverend W.C. Chiles, served as Friendship’s first pastor.
Sometime later, land was purchased on South Bell Street in Clinton where the present church
building was dedicated in 1937. Friendship was remodeled in 1973 and refurbished in 1997 along
with the addition of a Fellowship Hall.
Friendship AME Church (AMEC), built on Christ’s solid rock, stands boldly to proclaim the Saving
Word of God, committed to go out into the community spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to a
dying people. Friendship has served as the cornerstone in the fight for reform in the educational
system and has stood courageously in the fight for social and political change our community.
Friendship has served for over 125 years answering Jesus’ call to feed the hungry and clothe the
naked, embracing tradition yet employing “cutting edge” ministry models, cultivating gifts and talents,
empowering self-help and initiative.
The Reverend Casey J. Childs, II., serves as Friendship AME Church's 17th pastor.
Won't you join us in our praise of The Lord? Give us and our minister your hand and lift your voice
with us in honor to God. If interested, look here for more information.
| Last updated 11-22-2007 |
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| Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. |
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