First Friendship Institutional Baptist Church

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of San Francisco’s history, First Friendship Institutional Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and community. First Friendship Institutional Baptist Church’s story begins in a humble storefront at 1545-A Post Street in 1946. Reverend Eli Leroy Evans Jr., his wife Millie, and their baby daughter Gladys, formed the church’s first three members. The church’s name, initially Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, embodies the spirit of fellowship and unity that propelled its growth. The Evans family poured their hearts and souls into nurturing this fledgling congregation. Reverend Evans even purchased the church’s furniture and piano with his own funds. The first choir was organized by Millie Evans, a testament to the vital role music would play in the church’s life. The church’s motto, “Follow me as I follow Christ,” became a guiding principle for the growing congregation. First Friendship Institutional Baptist Church quickly outgrew its initial space, moving to 1525-A Post Street in 1949. Their first fundraising event, a “Cyclorama of United Nations,” foreshadowed the church’s commitment to social justice and community engagement. Remarkably, an anonymous benefactor offered the church property at 1257 Octavia Street and provided financial assistance to build. This act of generosity allowed First Friendship Institutional Baptist Church to dedicate its new home in 1951. The church’s name officially became First Friendship Institutional Baptist Church due to city regulations related to the Conroe Bay Area Extension College operating within the building. Education and leadership development were paramount to Reverend Evans. He served as the Dean of Conroe Bay Area Industrial College, training ministers and missionaries. In 1960, the church again relocated, this time to its current location at 501 Steiner Street. This move marked another significant milestone in the church’s journey. The burning of the mortgage in 1979, a moment of triumph and celebration, symbolized the church’s financial stability and commitment to its community. First Friendship Institutional Baptist Church’s impact extended beyond its walls. Under Reverend Evans’ leadership, the church sponsored Friendship Village, a low-rent housing development, demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility. Following Reverend Evans’ passing in 1985, the church saw a succession of pastors, each contributing to the church’s rich tapestry of faith and service. Under Pastor Floyd W. Trammell, Jr., beginning in 2001, First Friendship Institutional Baptist Church continued to evolve, embracing new initiatives and programs to serve its community. From children’s church and praise dancing to Bible study courses and community outreach programs, First Friendship Institutional Baptist Church remains a vibrant hub of faith and community engagement in San Francisco.