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Our History
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church
1942-2001
The history of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, is a living testimony of Romans 12:4-6, for as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, Let us use them:… NKJV
The Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, was organized in 1942 by Reverend T. C. Cole, Reverend Ed Cannon and Deacon Henry Strawder, as the founders. At its inception, Pilgrim Rest was located in the rear of 101 Monroe Avenue, in a brush harbor.
The property at 101 Monroe Avenue was purchased from Mrs. Effie Brown for $750.00 in October 1944. Reverend T.C. Cole was elected pastor in 1944, and served for approximately two years. Under the administration of Reverend Cole, the first baptizing was held at Lake Mead, at which six people were baptized. The foundation of the first church building was laid and part of the walls was erected. The walls of the church were completed during Reverend Thomas one-month stay as pastor. Reverend Leon Davis served as pastor for approximately nine months, and the roof was added during his administration. Reverend H.S. Moore served one year and six months as pastor and resigned in 1952.
The late Brother Joe White, Brother Huey James, Brother Dawson, and Brother Robert Taylor served as deacons during the construction of the first church. After completion of the church, other deacons were selected: Brother Wallace Parker, Brother E.W. Williams, Brother Roscoe Baltimore, Brother Lewis Tucker, Brother Oliver Harris, Brother C.C. Cooper, Brother Warren Gains, Brother J.W. Johnson, Brother Dave Wilson, Brother George B. Kline, Brother R.J. Cone, Brother James Grove, and Brother Carey Butler.
The secretaries who have served Pilgrim Rest, through the years are Sister Carlee Taylor, Sister Willie Mae Shaw, Sister Bertha James, Sister Essie B. Funches, Brother Willie Clark, Sister Ruby Shaw, Sister Pallee Childress, Sister Myrtle Wilson, Sister Daisy Miller and Sister Shirley Hardy.
In 1953, Reverend E.C. Kline was elected pastor and served until his death in 1979. During his twenty-five years (25) years of service great accomplishments were made. The membership increased, a lot was purchased next to the property at 101 Monroe and one acre of land was purchased at the corner of Adams and “M” Street. The most noticeable accomplishment was the building beautiful edifice which was built at 1240 West Adams. The dedicated service for the new Pilgrim Rest church building was held on Sunday, May 1,1966.
Reverend Joseph S. Jefferson was elected pastor in November 1979, and served until he resigned in 1983. During his administration repairs, remodeling and painting of the existing church were completed.
Following the resignation of Reverend Jefferson, Minister Willie Watson and Evangelist Almary Gaston were appointed overseers of Pilgrim Rest until a permanent pastor could be elected. During this time period three new deacons were appointed to the deacon board. They were Brother Lonnie Chaney, Brother Vernon Williams, Sr. and Brother Eli Gray. Sister Daisy Miller was elected by the church to work in the finance office.
On March 10, 1984, Reverend McKinley Hardmon, Jr was elected as the seventh Pastor of the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. His primary goal is to have the church grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 2 Peter 3:18. Pastor Hardmon strives to provide spiritual enrichment and fulfillment to the membership and preaches the word profoundly and inspiring. Moreover, many have been converted and baptized, numerous couples married, thousands prayed for and solutions attained for hundreds of members facing perplexing personal problems. Under the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Hardmon has encouraged, uplifted, enlightened, supported and exalted Christ, as Paul says in II Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with
Reverend Hardmon has implemented a Wednesday Night Bible Class, a Thursday night new membership class, and a training program for the deacons and deaconess of the church.
In 1988 he crowned his first three (3) men deacons, Roosevelt Williams, Willie E. Graham and Marvin Campbell. During the years of Reverend Hardmon’s leadership, we have completed a building project which included enlarging the choir stands, remodeling the kitchen, adding a dining area that can also be used as classrooms, a pastor’s study and a new baptismal pool.
In 1990- 1991 and 1992 two (2) parcels of land were purchased, one located on “M” street directly across from the present church, and one on the corner of “M” and Jefferson Street.
In 1992, the church purchased it’s first new van, and in early 1993, the church purchased a house at 1229 Jefferson Avenue.
In 1994, children’s church was implemented as a part of the 11:00 a.m. worship service. During the early part of 1994 ground was broken to add a two story addition to the existing church building.
In 1995, a $250,000.00 building project was under taken that would add ten classrooms, three bathrooms, a new pastor’s study, a conference room, a library, and a new choir room. To the rear of the church. The project was completed in 1999 with dedication service held during our church anniversary October 1999
In 1996 God blessed the church with five new deacons and two ministers Stevie Allen, Billy Session, Charles Silas, Herbert l. Smith, and Walter Washington were crowned deacons. Russell L. Banks and Reginald J. Ratliff confessed their calling to the ministry.
In 1997 Gregory Banks, Sr. and Eddie Durr, Sr. were crowned deacons.
In 1998 the 8:00 a.m. service was implemented to address the needs of the members.
In July 2000 Evangelist Margaret Hardmon, implemented the First Pie Festival Fundraiser and reorganized the Beautification Committee. , The funds were used to decorate the church. An art collection was donated to the church by a formal musician of Pilgrim Rest, Brother Morris Chapman.
After the 2001 Pie Festival the funds were used to purchase a new refrigerator . and a new pulpit which is forth coming. Pilgrim Rest, purchased a new (15) fifteen passenger van.
The Lord has blessed Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church with eight ministers eight (8): Tilmon Banks, Sr., Walter Davis, George Moreland, Reginald Ratliff, Billy Session, Willie Watson, and two (2) recently ordained, Russell Banks, Vernon Williams, Sr., Twelve (12) Evangelists: Wallean Carter, Irma Craft, Nicole Dobbins, Willie Forte, Margaret Hardmon, Bessie Jackson, Darlene Jackson, Betty Logwood, Nita McFollins, Mary Watson, Patti Hardmon-Williams. The late Evang. Velma Lloyd, passed away June 8, 2000. Bernice Moreland confessed her calling to the ministry. We are grateful for our entire ministerial staff.
We Thank God, for all the blessings he has bestowed on the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church Family and especially for the Shepherd he has put over this church.
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