New Pilgram Baptist Church

On a crisp autumn evening in 1951, a seed of faith was planted. From the roots of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, the New Pilgrim Baptist Church blossomed. New Pilgrim Baptist Church emerged with Reverend W.H. Black as its guiding pastor and organizer. Deacon Sam Worthy suggested the name. It resonated with the congregation’s journey of faith. The church officially became a corporation in February 1952. New Pilgrim Baptist Church initially held services at Mount Hebron Baptist Church. As the congregation grew, they moved to Wayland Baptist Church. The burgeoning membership soon led them to their first dedicated building. This building, located at 1601 Rutland Avenue, became their spiritual home in March 1952. Remarkably, New Pilgrim Baptist Church paid off the Rutland Avenue building in just four years. They celebrated a mortgage burning ceremony in March 1956. The church continued to grow, both spiritually and in numbers. In December 1961, New Pilgrim Baptist Church moved to its current location at 629 N. Washington Street. Following Reverend Black’s passing in 1974, Reverend Jesse Robert Halsey, his assistant, became pastor. He led the congregation until 1982. Reverend Roosevelt Davenport, Sr. then took the helm, serving faithfully for 35 years until 2017. Most recently, in June 2020, Reverend Quinton M. Herbert, Jr. became the fourth pastor of New Pilgrim Baptist Church. Today, New Pilgrim Baptist Church thrives with over fifteen active ministries. Several associate ministers support the congregation. All work towards the glory of God. For nearly 70 years, New Pilgrim Baptist Church has been a beacon of faith and community. It continues to grow and inspire under Pastor Herbert’s leadership.