The Friendship Baptist Church of Appomattox, Virginia was formally organized on Sept 23^rd, 1979. About this time, the church purchased the Robert E. Lee Academy on Rt 727 in Appomattox, Virginia from the Fred Jones Well Company for $75.000.00. The note was for 20 years. (This note was paid off in eleven years). On July 6^th, 1980, the church held its first baptismal service at the Fred Jones lake and baptized five candidates. On August 24^th, 1980, the church began supporting two missionaries, David Pledger and Walter Groover of Mexico. In November 1981, the church took on the support of three more missionaries. They were Ozark Leap who works among the Navajo Indians; Milton Howard of Mexico and Robert Berkey of Saipan.

In May of 1984, the church purchased a 12 by 60 house trailer for class rooms. The church also took on the support of Bill Keathley, a missionary to the blind. During this period of time, the church built a Pavilion which was 20 by 50 for use as a class room and also for special occasions.

On February 25, 1996 , the church began supporting David and Jill Coltrane, missionaries to the Philippines. The church also supports a number of other missionaries, plus a printing ministry. The church now also sends sermon notes to approximately 125 pastors and missionaries around the world, via E-mail and also sends some by regular mail.

In April of 2000, the church completed a new auditorium which can seat up to about 125, depending on the need. In addition to this, the new auditorium has a cut away which allows the old auditorium to be open on the side for funerals, weddings or Revivals that might necessitate the need for another 60 people. In order to keep this project from being too much of a burden on the congregation, pastor Lucas applied for his Social Security and therefore was able to take a cut in pay which will be more than enough to make the monthly payments on the building.

The church also installed a large sign out front which will be lighted at night. A special dedication service was held on July 9^th, 2000 upon completion of this project at which time, the community received a warm invitation to come and view their new facilities. The dedication service was well attended with many folk that drove a good distance for the special occasion.

In September of 2002, the church took on the support of Brother James Hammett, a missionary to Mexico. On December 3^rd, of this year, Tim Willis, a member of the church will be flying to Mexico for two weeks to lay block for a building project that the mission work there is engaged in.

Finally, on November 3^rd, of this year (2002), Dwayne Cook, the church song leader, began the installation of the present Web-site for which we are grateful. His skill in this project will be on going with our deep appreciation.

We welcome our readers suggestions and prayers in our behalf.

Earnie W. Lucas: Pastor