Founded in 1832, Friendship is the seventh oldest church in the Barnwell Baptist Association and celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2007.  Located in south east Barnwell County, South Carolina, this congregation installed their second Allen organ in 2009.  The instrument has two manuals and 33 stops.  New organ chambers were constructed to improve the coverage of sound in the sanctuary and the choir loft.  A Yamaha conservatory digital grand piano is connected to the organ via MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface).  The organist can play the piano from the organ keyboard.

The ‘Sleytown” area of Barnwell County is the place where a ‘sley’ (part on a weaving loom) was built from reeds (found in the Reedy Branch area) in the early 1800s by the Orlando Black family.   As merchants came to town to purchase this item they asked always asked where ‘Sleytown’ was.   Friendship had 74 members by the end of 1832. The first record of a WMU (Women’s Missionary Society) was reported in 1890.   The decade of the 1900s was good for Friendship congregation.  Membership increased from 297 in 1900 to 412 in 1909. In the 175 year history of Friendship, it has received over 2510 members, over 1836 baptisms, 6 ordained ministers, 2 appointed SBC missionaries, 5 wives of pastors and a total of 22 pastors.  The Reverend John Blair Nix was called in January 1984 to serve as pastor.  Under Pastor Nix’s leadership, the church continues to grow.  Somewhat unusual, Pastor Nix is also a fine musician playing several instruments. 

With the church cemetery just across the road, a history of this rural congregation continues to be documented.  Special thanks to Billy Mew for his book on the history of this congregation.  It is indeed a pleasure to have our friends of Friendship as continuing customers of our company.  We are honored.