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The Legacy of Friendship Holiness Church: A Testament of Faith and Endurance
The foundation of Friendship Glorified Holiness Church was laid in 1981, not by human ambition, but through fervent prayer, fasting, and divine guidance. Elder Richard D. Howze, Sr., alongside Brother Elijah McLean, Brother Roland McLean, and Elder Raleigh Stone, sought the face of God as they labored in the Spirit to establish a house of worship. Standing with them in faith, Mother Inez Watts, the Mother of Zion, interceded alongside these men of God, trusting the Lord for direction. Through their unwavering commitment, Friendship Glorified Holiness Church was birthed at 1020 East Green Drive, later becoming a part of the Friendship Movement under the leadership of Bishop A.V. Lindsay, who named and blessed the church.
God’s hand remained upon the ministry as the mantle of leadership was passed down. Elder Richard Howze became the first pastor, followed by Elder Raleigh Stone and then Elder Robert T. Marshall.Through much prayer and obedience to God’s will, the church expanded, and in 1990, the congregation moved to a larger facility at 1714 Brooks Avenue. As the ministry grew, God raised up new laborers for the vineyard. Under Bishop Marshall’s leadership, many were licensed and ordained, strengthening the work of the Lord. However, in March 1998, the Lord saw fit to call Bishop Marshallhome to glory, reminding us that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Yet, the vision did not perish, for Bishop Marshall’s desire was that Friendship Holiness Church would press toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).
In April 1998, Elder Elsie J. Gaines was installed as the fourth pastor, and the church continued to flourish. More souls were equipped for ministry, and in 2001, through the favor of God, Friendship Holiness Church moved into its current home at 820 Leonard Avenue. The congregation rejoiced, giving thanks for the Lord’s provision. On April 6, 2008, Elder Gaines was ordained as Bishop,faithfully leading the church until the Lord called him home on November 3, 2012.
The mantle then passed to Elder Thomas E. Marshall, who was installed as the fifth pastor in February 2013. With steadfast dedication, he continued to build upon the foundation of faith, ensuring that the ministry remained committed to its mission of spreading the Gospel, walking in Agape love, and standing firm in the work of the Lord.
In August 2024, the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, called Pastor Thomas Marshall home to eternal rest. Though he is no longer with us in the flesh, we stand on the promise that he is present with the Lord.His legacy of faithfulness, love, and commitment to God’s work will continue to guide us as we move forward.
Today, Friendship Holiness Church stands as a testament to God’s unfailing grace. We remain steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for we know that our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). We are the church that will not come down from the wall, dedicated to building the Kingdom of God, one soul at a time.
To God be the glory for all He has done and will continue to do in this ministry!
