New Friendship Baptist Church
1927-2025
In May 1927, the New Friendship was organized under the leadership of Rev. L.S. Williams. The services were first held in the Old Masonic Hall on W. 6th St. As the church grew the congregation moved to a larger worship place on Linn St. and Freeman Ave
December 1941 Pastor Harvey Benford accepted the call to become the church’s new pastor. Under his leadership, we moved to various locations to accommodate our growing congregation until December 1970.
The church was established with the state of Ohio in 1943.
By December 1970 the congregation purchased the property at 3212 Reading Rd. On August 15, 1971, the church members dedicated the new church.
After 35 years of dedicated service, our beloved Pastor passed away on July 14, 1976. After engaging in a
Thirty-day mourning period, the New Friendship family prayerfully started to seek a new pastor.
Rev. H. L. Harvey, Jr. accepted the call as pastor of New Friendship Baptist Church in March 1977. Rev. Harvey
Was known as the “Country Preacher.” His introductory sermon was “The Huddle Is Not the Game” This sermon was later recorded with the New Friendship Mass Choir.
The reception hall was named “Friendship Hall”’ by Pastor Benford, was later changed to “Benford Hall”’ to honor our deceased leader.
Under Pastor Harvey’s leadership, several ministries were started, the ministries are Christian Education Department, the Prison Ministry, Daughters of Faith, an expanded Youth Department, Feed the Hungry, Leadership classes, and the Health Awareness Committee.
New Friendship started the renovation of the sanctuary in May 1998. We were blessed to continue service during this time in Benford Hall.
In June 1999, we marched from Benford Hall into a newly renovated sanctuary.
In October of 2024 Steve Reece retired as Chairman of the Trustees and Jessie B. Broach took over as Chairman and Dec. Curtis Brooks became Vice Chairman.
As we have faced current challenges, we remain steadfast and strong in the Lord.
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