Pilgrim Baptist Church was organized on January 23, 1948, at Hopewell Baptist Church, with the Reverend James Hayden Sanders as the elect Pastor. Reverend G.W. Davis served as the moderator. Thirteen Charter members gathered for the beginning of the church. They were Rev. Ellis Bostic, Sis. Mozell Bostic, Sis. Evelyn Cross, Sis. Ola Bell, Bro. Alton Williams, Sis. Essie Murden, Sis. Winnie Ponder, Sis. Lila Ray, Sis. Annie Rozier, Sis. Laura Sanders, Sis. Rowena Sanders Drake, Sis. Laura Stocks and Sis. Magnolia Woods.

 

The J. H. Sanders Choir was formed before Pilgrim Baptist Church was organized. The church was organized from the J. H. Sanders choir. Sis. Laura Stocks was elected the first President of the choir; she was the first president of the entire church. Musically PBC was blessed to broadcast every Sunday evening on radio station WATL and the closing song was “The day is past and gone.”

 

Pastor Sanders displayed spirit and strength of mind in inspiring the thirteen disciples to climb the icy steps of Hopewell Baptist Church. Although they were few in numbers, their minds were set to work for the Lord and they were all on one accord. They were willing to cooperate, work, pray and do their best for the sake of Jesus our Lord and Savior. Pilgrim’s members continued to worship at Hopewell Baptist Church until they were able to worship at our present location. One year and one month later in February 1949, the members of Pilgrim marched from Hopewell Baptist Church, which is now New Jerusalem Baptist Church to this present location. Pastor Sanders labored successfully towards building up the church. Under the pastoral guard to guiding the flock at Pilgrim. (Minister) Dallas Durden was the first to join when the “Invitation to Discipleship” was extended at 498 English Avenue. The church enrollment continued to grow under the direction of God and the leadership of the late Pastor James Hayden Sanders, until his health failed.

 

Rev. Jerry J. Broadnax was called as pastor in November 1955. He began his Pastoral assignment to preach, teach and guide the congregation in December 1955. The church continued progressively and prospered through God’s rich blessings, membership cooperation and contributions. Under the spiritual headship of Pastor J. J. Broadnax, the first unit of the church was completely renovated. The church installed new stained-glass windows, the baptismal pool and the front entrance was remodeled. At the same time the church installed new carpet and was able to purchase a new piano.

 

Spiritual and financial accomplishments under the leadership of Pastor Broadnax can be recognized in the form of paying off all debts, enhancing the appearance of the church and adhering to the considerable needs of the members. Being in the will of God, the church was able to purchase an additional lot on English Ave at a cost of $2,275.00 that would be utilized for additional space. The church was completely renovated. In the main sanctuary, pews, carpeting, lighting, rewiring and a public address system were installed. A ramp was built on the side of the church facing Kennedy Street to accommodate the handicapped members and visitors. Downstairs, a stainless kitchen sink and grease trap was installed. The Pastor’s study was remodeled and new office equipment was purchased at a cost of over $40,000.00.

 

Often the culmination of any leader and activity that goes well can quickly gloss of the many hours of intense work that went into making of the success. Pastor J. J. Broadnax was an Under Shepherd who contributed much at Pilgrim. He pressed for excellence in an endeavor and investment of time so that souls would be saved. There was never a Sunday that he did not usher in greatness of God and reminded a waiting congregation “No matter how dark life may appear to be in the life of a Christian, Jesus Christ is the Light of the World.” On September 12, 1991, Pastor Broadnax received his ticket to travel from earth to his heavenly abode after almost thirty-six years of Pastoral sharing, caring, and preaching at PBC.

 

Pilgrim continued to climb higher under the leadership of our third Pastor, Rev. Larry D. Taylor, called in January 1993.  Rev. Taylor encouraged the believer to “Give God Your Best.”  He worked to impart this vision by establishing the Anointed Voices Choir, Bible Study, Food Bank Ministry, Audio & Video Ministry, Prayer Counseling, Athletic Ministry, Bus Ministry, Christian Education Department, Men & Women Ministry and Children’s Ministry. Rev. Taylor served until October 2000.

Rev. Samuel L. Pridgon was the fourth Pastor to carry the Pilgrim pastoral mantle.  Rev. Pridgon was an Inspirational Gospel preacher, who is remembered for reminding the body, “We are traveling on this journey and therefore we wear this world as loose garment.” Rev. Pridgon served until July 2007.

​

In May 2009, Rev. Willie M. Bolden was installed as the fifth Pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church. A decorated Civil Rights luminary, Rev. Bolden renewed the church’s commitment to the Fifth District Association, Georgia Missionary Baptist State and other religious affiliations. Rev. Bolden worked to move the church forward until his departure in December 2012.

On Sunday, March 2, 2014, Rev. Eric George Vickers was called as the sixth Pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church.  Rev. Vickers lead Pilgrim in a new season of great excitement and anticipation of the many good things God had in store. Rev. Vickers initiated our social media presence, by developing a YouTube channel and Facebook page. He affectionately referred to our church body as “The Fellowship at English Ave.”

​

September 2016, Pastor Jermaine Lane, became our Interim Pastor. He attended all community meetings concerning the Church and neighborhood. His Motto was “CUT OFF ALL THE NEGATIVITY.”  Bible Study, was known as “Growth University.” January 29, 2016, Pastor Jermaine Lane accepted the call, and became the seventh Pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church.

September 11, 2022, Pastor James S. Hill accepted and became our eighth Pastor. Reverend Hill’s first official sermon as pastor was given on October 9, 2022. Under Pastor Hill, Wednesday night bible study became CROSS F.I.T. (Faith In Training). Pastor Hill, also revamped our Social Media ministry, New Members/Starting Point ministry and Youth Ministry known as “Chosen Generation”.

​

Also, serving PBC membership throughout the years were three Interim Pastors; Minister Nash Alexander, Minister Dallas Durden, and Minister George Booker. In addition, the ministerial staff/sons of the pulpit included: Minister Charles Jones, Minister Willie O’Neal, Minister James Robinson, Minister Wayne Dobbs, Minister Darcell White, Reverend Damion Hutchins and Reverend Samuel Maffett.

​

Throughout the years, the Lord has blessed Pilgrim congregation with a ministry that has served the members and reached out to the community. The church ministries continue to serve and enrich the spiritual lives of the members. There has also been tremendous improvement to the building over the years- standing tall as a place where Christian love and service are paramount. Just as the original members did back in 1948, current members continue to climb the steps to our beloved Pilgrim of 76 years today!