The history of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is built on a foundation of Jesus Christ. Its current status is because of the hard work, dedication and efforts of a faithful few.

It all started in early 1940, when Reverend Samuel and First Lady Viola Brown, Reverend S. L. and Sister Hattie Alexander, Attorney Rolfe, Deacons J. Pierson, Joseph Sparrow and Fleder, on what was then, 3901 Vineland Road, found an undeveloped parcel of vacant land is what laid in wait for the opening of the doors to what would someday become FMBC Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Orlando.

Our scriptures tell us that that there is much work to do, but only a few laborers. And so it was with the building of this church. There was no miracle of changing water into wine given to the group of worshippers, but after obtaining the check from the bank, and pulling the permit, the faithful few of the congregation came together to labor in the building of the FMBC.

On December 8, 1950, the members marched into the new church. God is good and seven is complete! On December 8, 1957, records show that the church loan was paid in full. Reverend Brown served as Pastor, with Reverend S. L. Alexander serving as an Associate. After a short time Reverend Alexander was called to pastor at another church, leaving Reverend Brown to serve as pastor until 1975 as his health was beginning to fail. Reverend A. D. Raines was called to pastor for a very short time after the death of Reverend Brown. After about 90 days Pastor Raines was called to a larger church in his hometown. Within the next 5 years, the church called two pastors: Reverend Dinkins, who served for four years and accepted a church in Arcadia, Florida and Reverend Rambo who served a short time because of prior commitments. The church then called Reverend Nelson Pate, who labored for 22 years as he brought some stability to the flock feeding the word of God. The church began to grow spiritually as well as physically until he was called home to Glory. The church then called on Reverend Mazone to be the interim pastor as he carried the church for several months. Reverend M.L. Harris was called and served for two years.

In September 1996, Reverend William Walker was called to pastor Friendship. Under his leadership, the church purchased its first passenger van and the following auxiliaries were re-established or implemented: Home Mission, Youth Choir, Male Choir and Board of Directors. Pastor Walker shared with the congregation that it was time to think about building a new sanctuary to meet the physical needs for the church. On July 1, 2000, the church agreed and the property was surveyed for a new facility and blueprints were drawn up. On May 31, 2000, Pastor Walker retired due to illness and moved back to Live Oak, Florida, after more than 3 years of service.

On July 1, 2000, the church called Reverend Carl Golden as interim pastor. One year later, he was called to be the pastor Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Under his leadership, he had two Associate Ministers; William Epps and Javan Jackson and two deacons were ordained. Thereafter, Reverend Simon Pew joined the ministry under his leadership. The church began weekly Prayer Meeting and Bible Study. Pastor Golden started an outreach mission in the community. The church also purchased its first property which consist of a one story residence and rented it for one year. Work began by Brother Donald Eller and Deacon Lonnie Holmes with the church's approval to convert the building into a Pastor's office, secretary office and a fellowship and education Hall. Four years later, Pastor Golden was removed and he started a new church.

In April 2005, the board met with Reverend Burke and recommended to accept him as pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. The church accepted the recommendation and Reverend Burke was installed as pastor by New Central Missionary and Educational Baptist Association of Florida on June 11, 2005. Under the leadership of Pastor Burke, a new a/c system was installed in the sanctuary, a piano was added to the ministry, and another 16 passenger van was purchased. A van corral was built to hold both vans. The center is completed and furnished. The center was named The Pate/Slade Center in recognition of the church's most dutiful and devoted servant. After serving for two years, Pastor Kelvin Burke was removed and Minister Javan Jackson served as interim pastor for a short time.

On May 22, 2008, Reverend David W. Jones, Jr. was installed as Pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Orlando, Inc. and on June 1, 2008, he preached his first sermon as Pastor of Friendship. Pastor Jones' vision is to lead by example, the people of God equipping them how to love, live and lead by the power of the Holy Spirit; beginning first with the spiritual growth of their own households, thereby doing as God's word commands.

Under his guidance, he has re-established or implemented Quarterly Friends and Family Day, Joint Council Meetings, Trustee Ministry, Usher Board Ministry, Hospitality Ministry, Youth Ministry, Dance Ministry, Quarterly Family Gatherings, New Members Class, Monthly Birthdays and New Members Fellowship. He has help form a Weekly Prayer Meeting and Bible Study to further the church's emphasis on Christian education. He is training the men and women of the church on a monthly basis, using the literature and written Leadership skills of his former Pastor and First Lady, Reverend Walter R. Prince and Sister Diane Prince to better equip and strengthen the saints in their knowledge of the word of God.

The physical affairs of the church have improved as well. The scripture says in Matthew 25:23, "You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" A new wider front portal, columns, signs and cross were built and added the front of the church, repairs, better lighting and "sprucing up" the Pate/Slade Center was completed. Technical enhancements such as the internet, cable wireless network and a website have been added to support the blessing that God has for us in sharing and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To God Be the Glory for the Things He is Doing!