PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCH TIMELINE
1917 – Believers from Brewton, Alabama, organized the Pilgrim Baptist Church. They started Wednesday prayer meetings and Sunday School in a storefront building in the 1700 block of North 24th Street. After much prayer, thoughts, and desire for a church site, the believers rented a vacant building at 26th and Franklin Streets, for $25.00 per month.
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1918 – Rev. William Franklin of Detroit, Michigan was installed as Pastor. Twenty-three people secured letters from Zion Baptist Church united with Pilgrim. In two years, Pilgrim outgrew it's place of worship. In May, the former Calvary Baptist Church located at 2501 Hamilton Street was purchased for $35,000. On the second Sunday in May, the “Brewton Church,” as it was nicknamed, was officially organized under the direction of the New Era State Convention. Later, the church underwent two name changes: Pilgrim Rest and currently Pilgrim Baptist Church.
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1920 – On September 20, the Pilgrim congregation marched from 26th and Franklin Streets, to the present location, 2501 Hamilton Street.
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1923 – Rev. William M. Franklin retired, and Rev. A. F. Martin was installed as Pastor. Rev. Franklin served until 1925.
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1926 – Rev. Walker was installed as Pastor and served until 1928.
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1929 – On December 31, Rev. James H. Dotson was installed as Pastor. Under his leadership, the first communion utensils were purchased, outstanding debts were paid, and a parsonage was purchased at 2807 Caldwell Street. Rev. Dotson retired on December 23, 1934.
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1935 – Rev. Grady Stevenson was installed as Pastor. After three years, he resigned to become Pastor of a church in Washington, D.C.
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1940 – Rev. Foster S. Goodlett served as Interim Pastor. He accepted the position of Pastor in May.
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1943 – On December 23, the congregation held a mortgage burning Ceremony.
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1945 – On January 31, Rev. Goodlett resigned. Rev. Charles Favors served as Pastor. Rev. Favors accepted the pastorate in May. Under his leadership, the Church lounge was added, a concrete walk was laid, and a sound system was installed. In addition, the “Blessing of Babies” ceremony was instituted. The Church strongly served the community by striving to reach those in need.
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1947 – Nationally known Mahalia Jackson and her entourage sang at Pilgrim.
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1948 – On November 15, Men’s Day brought the era of the old Pilgrim to a close. By midnight, news spread that Pilgrim was on fire. By morning, four walls were left standing, the bell tower, and an open Bible left in the pulpit. By the Grace of God, the Bible sustained minimal damage. Zion Baptist Church opened its doors to Pilgrim. Rebuilding of the Church began.
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1951 – New pews and furniture were purchased. By spring, the congregation moved into the rebuilt church. Youth Group, Gospel Chorus, and new auxiliaries were formed.
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1958 – June, Rev. Favors was instrumental in bringing the National Baptist Sunday School and Baptist Training Congress to Omaha.
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1960 – Rev. Favors retired and returned to his home in Phoenix, Arizona. In June, Dr. Albert Lampkin became Pastor. Dr. Lampkin stressed the importance of fellowship and “How to Worship.” Under his leadership, the first church secretary, Sister Paulyne Y. Campbell was hired. A new sound system was installed, a "Cry-Room" was added for mothers with infants and toddlers, and a stage was erected in the first unit. An Education Committee was instituted, and the second Sunday of each month was set aside as Youth Sunday, and an annual recognition of Graduates was established. Dr. Lampkin served as advisor of the Male and Dr. Watts choruses.
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1961 – On June 18, an open house and dedication of our rebuilt church was held.
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1962 – On July 28, the congregation held a mortgage burning ceremony. Under Dr. Lampkin’s leadership, membership grew numerically and spiritually.
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1964 – On February 23, Dr. Lampkin resigned and returned to Kansas City. In July, Rev. William L. Blake, Sr. succeeded Dr. Lampkin as Pastor. Under Rev. Blake’s leadership, Pilgrim purchased a tithe box, a church van, and had central air conditioning installed in the church. The Board of Christian Education was developed to assist high school graduates. An Inspirational Choir was formed. A vacant lot near the church was purchased to provide off-street parking.
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1967 – In July, Rev. Blake ordained Bro. Horace G. McMillon to the work of the Gospel Ministry.
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1979 – On October 28, Rev. Blake ordained Brother Robert E. Hooks to the work of the Gospel Ministry. In November, Rev. Blake resigned.
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1980 – September, Dr. Negil L. McPherson, Sr. was installed as Pastor. Dr. McPherson established the Annual Church Institute and the Fall Leadership Retreat. He incorporated a Children’s Church and Children’s Period into the morning worship service and established the Youth Department. The “Outreach Ministry” began through radio broadcast of the morning worship service. Pilgrim financially supported our National, State, Foreign, and Home Mission Boards. The American Theological Seminary Extension School was established and headquartered at Pilgrim.
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1988 – School supplies and food were sent to Jamaica after the destruction of hurricane “Gilbert”. New Members and Candidates for Baptist Class was implemented.
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1990 – On April 1, Brother Spencer E. Campbell was ordained by Dr. McPherson to work with the Gospel Ministry. Brother C. Miller Woods was licensed to preach. The Brotherhood and Golden Links auxiliaries were re-organized.
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1991 – In August, Christian Education Evangelistic classes were established. Pilgrim purchased three vacant lots for parking, a computer, a three car garage was built, and a security system was installed, and Pilgrim leased a copy machine. Restrooms, flooring, and pews were renovated. A Food Pantry was activated. Boy's & Cub Scout Troops were organized under the leadership of Brother Glenn Harris. Girl Scout Troop was organized under the leadership of Sister J. Mary Lewis.
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1998 – Pilgrim held its “Grand Opening and Dedication” of the 7,339 square ft. addition to the west side of the church. This addition was dedicated as the “Leola Jones Fellowship Hall”.
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2003 – Two, 20-unit apartments (one located on the southwest corner, and one located on the northwest corner of the church) were built to serve the elderly and other qualified citizens of our community. This project was made possible by a joint effort of Pilgrim Baptist Church, Omaha Economic Development Corporation, and a HUD grant. The PBC/OEDC was established to manage these units. In September, Pilgrim celebrated Rev. McPherson’s 23rd Pastoral Anniversary in conjunction with his retirement celebration.
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2004 – January, Rev. Cedric L. Perkins became Pastor and was installed on March 14. Under the leadership of Rev. Perkins, Pilgrim continues to make the light brighter by preaching, teaching, and applying the Word as the Holy Spirit leads.