New Abilities

The "Pilgrim Baptist Church" records its beginning in 1868. Before the Civil War the slaves of the community worshipped with the white congregation of the Clear Spring Baptist Church. The slaves were allowed to sit in a section of Clear Spring. Later, after the slaves were freed, the former slaves
set out to have their own church. Some of the white citizens came to their aid and helped the blacks to establish a place of worship.
Clayton Kilgore, a former slave owner, who was a member of Clear Spring Church was instrumental in helping to build a church for the freed slaves. Mr. Kilgore had begun school for the slaves on his plantation before the Civil War. He taught them to read and write and continued to teach them educationally and religiously. A Sunday School grew out of 'day school.' From the small Sunday School, a movement to construct a Negro Baptist Church was initiated. Mr. Kilgore realized the necessity of a tract of land and donated 10 acres to the blacks to build the church.
Under the leadership of Rev. Wesley Gains and his brother Rev. George Gains, two blacks from Philadelphia, who had been ordained into the ministry by Clear Spring Baptist Church, a church building was constructed.

On July 20, 1868, at which time the church was officially completed, the first service was held. The church was called "Pilgrim Baptist Church." Clear Spring became the 'mother church' of the Pilgrim Baptist Church. The eleven black members of the Clear Spring Church were given a letter that read, "stating the names of the black members in good and regular standing with the church at that time and at their request are dismissed to join another church of the same faith and order." The charter members were: John Abraham, Adam Ware, Eliza Do, Frances Ware, James Valentine, Elizabeth Clark, Charles Cook, Johnson Kilgore, Charlbtte Abraham, Nancy Abraham and Clara Drummond. The Rev. John Abraham became Pilgrim's first pastor.
In 1894, while the Rev. Thomas Jones was pastor, there was controversy and the church was reorganized. The dissenting members formed another church. From 1894 until the present the original church site has been known as Old Pilgrim (*Missionary) Baptist Church.
During the next four decades, many persons grew to know God and received salvation. Many outstanding pastors followed during these years. Among the distinguished pastors were: Reverends J . Kilgore, Milton Ware, T.M. McElrath,Wallace, W.P. Jones, C.W. Webb, G.B. Hancock, W.A. Bannon, A.R. Burk, B.F. Calvin, J.C. Cowans, J.H. Gilmore, and H.D. Steward. As the community continued to grow, the membership increased. In 1907, with Rev. J.S. Daniel as pastor, a new wooden church building was erected. The Rev. J.W. Mathis served as pastor during the years of 1937-1954y A young minister by the name of Rev. S.C. Cureton served as pastor from 1954-1957. Then Rev. Ulysees S.G. Sweeney became pastor for the next 23 years from 1957-1979. The Pilgrim church structure endured through the years and was remodeled in 1962 during Rev. Sweeney's tenure. The wooden frame was t'-nclosed with bricks and four educational rooms were added. With the untimely death of Rev.Sweeney in 1979, a new pastor was elected, The Rev. Henry Dawkins.
Rev. Henry Dawkins, who was the pastor from 1980-1984, and many church members had the vision of a new church edifice. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held in June 1982 for the present building, which is a large brick church with a balcony and a fellowship hall. Through their blood, sweat, tears, labor, sacrifice and spiritual influence were are able to share services and fellowship in our present facility. Rev. Dawkins stated, "The historical occasion to dedicate this church house unto our Lord and Savior, may these moments of shared fellowship inspire us to face with faith the challenge to service which lies in Christ, God's better way to abundant living and giving the Lord the praise and the glory."