The History of Friendship Church
taken from Church records and other sources
1830 - Alban Hooke, Jethro Johnson ,James Latta And James Rankin held union camp meetings.
At the close of the camp meetings that summer, Hooke returned to his group and they organized The Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It was then that
Friendship church was born
.
1831 - The society decided they wanted a building, so they purchased land from
Mr and Mrs James Erwin. In a deed dated September 22nd. It granted the Trustees
½ acre of woodland in West Fallowfield. Wood on the lot was reserved by
Mr Erwin for the Trustees. Therefore the timbers for the first church were
Donated by the members. The building was constructed by Ferron Brothers
.
1832 - In May a 32x42 foot building was completed. It was a frame building with three
Windows on both sides ,two chimneys, two front doors and a back door near the pulpit
This building was used untill1873
1833-1872 As the church grew the need for a larger building became necessary. So on
June 21,1872 the Trustees purchased one acre from Mr and Mrs Chalkey Coates
For $100.00 dollars .This is the ground that the current parsonage and church stand on.
The building we now occupy was started in the fall of 1872.
1873- the building was competed and dedicated with Rev. William Downey as the first pastor
1899-1902 At the turn of the century it was necessary that a parsonage be built or purchased
Rev.W.L.Cann moved into the first parsonage . The Trustees purchased the first parsonage from David Wilson for a price of $1,050
1909- on February 28th Mrs. Annie Reed and Miss Virginia Thorne, the oldest and the youngest
members burned the mortgage of the church. The organ was also dedicated that day
1910- the construction of the new parsonage was also started and completed the old parsonage was sold for $785.00
1913- Additional Cemetery ground was purchased May 28th , From Mr. &Mrs Fred Quillen.
It was 11.1 acres for the price of $250.00 . It was deeded to the trustees
1920- Our 90th anniversary was celebrated on September 26th that evening the Parsonage
Mortgage was burned by Mrs Annie Reed and Norman and Clyde Jackson The
Oldest and youngest members thus clearing the church property of all debts.
1930- Friendship celebrated its 100th anniversary. The circular pews that we use to day
Were installed at that time .The church membership was at 196 people .
1948- Work began for the addition of the education wing. This was to house Friendship Hall
Restrooms and a kitchen on the first level; on the second level, six large rooms
Whose primary use was Sunday School rooms, but they were used after classes as a
Nursery, Choir room and a youth fellowship room. A new heating system was installed
This was a huge project and the congregation met the challenge. Timber was donated
By members and friends. The men of the church cut down the trees .Then the logs were taken to Downingtown to be planed .They used shovels, picks and tractors to dig the basement. The cost of the project was cut drastically by the members work and cooperation.
1949-On November 13th the new “debt free”addition was dedicated by the congregation
Who had worked long and hard. No longer did the 75 children have to crowd into
Parsonage and sanctuary and try to learn their scripture lessons over the distraction
From other classes. With the enlarged kitchen the church socials would never be
Limited to 1/3rd of the church members.
Special thanks should be given to all who gave so unselfishly to this project and it
Is a standing memorial to all who have helped
1950- Work began on the addition to the auditorium, front porch and steeple it would soon
Be the church we know it today.
1951- The building of the steeple front porch and enlargement of the main auditorium
Was completed. The sanctuary was remodeled and the Hammond organ installed
The dream had become reality. On march 11th re-opening services were held with
The consecrating of the sanctuary and the dedication of gifts and memorials
The cross, offering plates, candlesticks, pulpit, Bible and hangings . The church
was ready to go on with the youth programs today for church of tomorrow
1957-1967 Many things took place during this time . In 1957 a new heating system was installed and other improvements to the parsonage.
In 1958 the building fund was liquidated. In 1959 the bell was installed in the church tower and the parsonage and garage were stuccoed . In 1961 the driveway and parking area was paved . In 1963,Fellowship Hall was renovated with folding door to make more class rooms. In 1964 an oil furnace was installed and for the first time we were invited by our Missionary to Japan (Norman Parsons)
1973-1977 during this time a counseling room was furnished ;the Kha family from Laotian lived
In the church basement for 6 months most of their food was provided by the state but
Some food and clothing were donated by the church. Lynn Bailey helped teach them our language and Denice and Marilyn Connelly spent a few hours each week helping familiarize them to the ways and customs of our land . To conserve energy during the oil crisis in the winter of 1975 all church functions were held in Fellowship Hall and members homes . Robert Bailey the Pastor during this time started Prayer breakfasts
Which were held very early in the morning before people went to work
1977- 1980 during this time many things happed. The Parsonage and Church were insulated
And new furnaces installed in both the driveway and parking area were surfaced while
The furnace was being replaced services were held at the Highland School also a monthy newsletter was started
