Dedicated to spiritual guidance Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church has served the Las Vegas community since 1942. The church emphasizes loving God wholeheartedly. It provides support to its members. Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church is a beacon of faith. It stands as a testament to community and devotion.
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church’s story began humbly. In 1942 Reverend T. C. Cole Reverend Ed Cannon and Deacon Henry Strawder founded it. The first location was a brush harbor behind 101 Monroe Avenue.
In October 1944 the property at 101 Monroe Avenue was purchased. It cost 750 dollars. Reverend T.C. Cole became pastor that same year. During his two-year tenure the first baptizing occurred at Lake Mead. Six people were baptized. The church’s foundation was laid. Part of its walls were erected.
Other pastors followed. Reverend Thomas completed the walls during his brief stay. Reverend Leon Davis added the roof during his nine months as pastor. Reverend H.S. Moore served for a year and a half before resigning in 1952.
Several dedicated deacons served during the construction. Joe White Huey James Dawson and Robert Taylor were among them. After the church was completed more deacons were selected. These included Wallace Parker and E.W. Williams. Roscoe Baltimore and Lewis Tucker also joined. Oliver Harris C.C. Cooper Warren Gains J.W. Johnson Dave Wilson George B. Kline R.J. Cone James Grove and Carey Butler.
Many secretaries served Pilgrim Rest over the years. Carlee Taylor Willie Mae Shaw and Bertha James contributed. Essie B. Funches Willie Clark and Ruby Shaw also served. Pallee Childress Myrtle Wilson Daisy Miller and Shirley Hardy also helped.
Reverend E.C. Kline’s leadership marked a significant period. He was elected pastor in 1953. He served until his death in 1979. During his 25 years the membership increased. A lot next to the Monroe Avenue property was purchased. One acre of land was acquired at Adams and M Street. The most significant achievement was constructing a beautiful edifice. It was built at 1240 West Adams. The dedication was held on May 1 1966.
Reverend Joseph S. Jefferson became pastor in 1979. He resigned in 1983. Repairs remodeling and painting were completed during his time.
After Reverend Jefferson’s resignation Minister Willie Watson and Evangelist Almary Gaston oversaw Pilgrim Rest. Three new deacons were appointed. They were Lonnie Chaney Vernon Williams Sr. and Eli Gray. Daisy Miller was elected to the finance office.
Reverend McKinley Hardmon Jr. was elected pastor on March 10 1984. His goal was church growth in grace and knowledge. He aimed to provide spiritual enrichment. Many were converted and baptized under his leadership. Numerous couples were married. Solutions were found for members facing personal problems. Reverend Hardmon implemented a Wednesday Night Bible Class. He also started a Thursday night new membership class. A training program was created for deacons and deaconesses.
In 1988 Roosevelt Williams Willie E. Graham and Marvin Campbell became deacons. During Reverend Hardmon’s leadership a building project was completed. The choir stands were enlarged. The kitchen was remodeled. A dining area classrooms a pastor’s study and a new baptismal pool were added.
Two parcels of land were purchased in the early 1990s. One was on M Street. The other was at the corner of M and Jefferson Street.
Pilgrim Rest purchased its first new van in 1992. In 1993 a house was purchased at 1229 Jefferson Avenue.
Children’s church was implemented in 1994. Ground was broken for a two-story addition.
A 250000-dollar building project was undertaken in 1995. It added ten classrooms three bathrooms a new pastor’s study a conference room a library and a new choir room. The project was completed in 1999.
Five new deacons were added in 1996. Stevie Allen Billy Session Charles Silas Herbert l. Smith and Walter Washington were crowned. Russell L. Banks and Reginald J. Ratliff confessed their calling to the ministry.
Gregory Banks Sr. and Eddie Durr Sr. became deacons in 1997. In 1998 the 800 a.m. service was implemented.
Evangelist Margaret Hardmon implemented the First Pie Festival Fundraiser in July 2000. The Beautification Committee was reorganized. Funds were used to decorate the church. An art collection was donated by Morris Chapman.
After the 2001 Pie Festival a new refrigerator was purchased. Pilgrim Rest also purchased a new fifteen-passenger van.
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church remains a testament. It shows faith community and service in Las Vegas. Its history is a living testimony.