Statement on 100th Anniversary of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

Congressman Carson, Mr. Speaker, I stand today to congratulate Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on 100 years of service and dedication to the Indianapolis community. I want to extend my gratitude to Pastor Ronald Covington and First Lady Kim Covington for their commitment to this community. 

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church first opened its doors on the West side of Indianapolis in 1917, under the leadership of Reverend B.T. Westbrook. With eight ministers, the church has achieved a great deal of accomplishments. It was established as a storefront at the corner of Agnes and Michigan and is now located at 1301 N. Goodlet Avenue. Over the years, they have founded Friendship Christian Academy and child care ministry, a food pantry, a book store, a children’s church, and the ‘Save our Seed’ program, which strives to employ local youth. 

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church has gone above and beyond to enrich our community through its extensive charitable work; providing blankets for the homeless, meal baskets at Thanksgiving, and gifts for the elderly at Christmas. The church is such a pillar in the community, its members recently came together to pay off the mortgage, ensuring both Friendship Westside Center for Excellence and Friendship Missionary Baptist Church will be around for generations to come.

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church has been blessed with Pastor Ronald Covington, Sr. as he continues to move his church and his community from Vision to Victory!

Mr. Speaker, I would once again like to congratulate Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on their centennial anniversary. I am proud to know that organizations such as Friendship Missionary Baptist Church are flourishing and strengthening our community.