Rev. Dr. Maynard Holbrook Jackson 1945-1953

Rev. Dr. Carter was succeeded in May of 1945 by the Rev. Dr. Maynard Holbrook Jackson who resigned as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas to take leadership of friendship Baptist Church.  The spirit and vitality of the church were revived during his ministry. One of the significant contributions made by Rev. Jackson was the establishment, in the former old forks home, of a well-baby clinic and a recreational and health center for boys and girls in the community.  Rev. Jackson, like his predecessors, believed in the community outreach of the church.  He joined the black leadership of Atlanta in articulating and supporting full citizenship rights for blacks.  Nationally, he helped set the climate for the progress that was ushered in by the 1954 Supreme Court's anti-segregation decision.