“Greetings in the name of our lord and savior Jesus Christ” echoes in my mind as we approach Saint Rest Number 2 Missionary Baptist Church. This isn’t just a church it is a beacon of faith. It’s a place where praise parties erupt like never before.
Saint Rest Number 2 Missionary Baptist Church believes where the lord is, there is liberty. Join the worship service. Become part of a praise celebration. The church believes the bible to be the inspired and only infallible written word of God.
Saint Rest Number 2 Missionary Baptist Church believes in one God. This God is eternally existent in three persons. These are God the Father, the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. The church believes in the blessed hope. It is the rapture of the church of God in Christ at his return.
We believe that the regeneration of the Holy Ghost is absolutely essential. It is essential for our own personal salvation. The redemptive work of Christ on the cross provides healing. It answers the believers’ prayer.
The baptism of the Holy Ghost is given to believers. They only need to ask for it. The Sanctifying power of the holy Ghost enables Christians. It allows them to live a holy life. They can separate from this present world.
Now some confusion may occur with another church. Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago was founded in 1928. It started in the home of Deacon and Sister Aaron Shinairel. A small group of baptized believers gathered with Pastor Will Jones. Mother Millie Parker suggested the name Pilgrim Rest.
Pilgrim Rest’s first location was on Hermitage Avenue. It was near Roosevelt Road. The church lost its Hermitage Avenue headquarters in a fire. Pastor Clemmons led the church in searching for a new home. Pastor Johnson continued the search. The church moved from place to place. It moved from the Branch Funeral Parlor to 1249 West Roosevelt Road.
Pastor Joseph Stewart replaced Pastor Johnson. The church experienced a decline in membership. Some members wanted to merge with another church. Deacon Will Gore convinced them to avoid the merger.
In April 1937, Minister Matthew Thomas became pastor. He initially served without a salary. In 1939, Pastor Thomas led the congregation to 1822 West Roosevelt. Membership increased. In 1941, the church bought a headquarters at 1729 West Washburne. In 1949, they moved to 1901-05 West Washington Boulevard. The church grew until 1985. Pastor Thomas died on April 8th, 1987. He had served for 50 years.
In 1992, Pastor M. C. Russell became the leader. In 1993, Dr. Al Lloyd became the 7th pastor. Pastor Lloyd helped Pilgrim Rest become more servant-oriented. He implemented new ministries and a website. He helped the church face gentrification.
Pilgrim Rest continues to minister to the community. They provide food and clothing. They have new windows and a new church sign. Some events are on YouTube and Facebook. Several associate preachers have gone on to pastor other churches. Pilgrim Rest’s goal is to please God.
But back to Saint Rest Number 2 Missionary Baptist Church. It calls you to come. Experience the praise. Feel the liberty. This is a place where faith comes alive. A place where you can feel the holy spirit move.