pilgrim baptist church | Anniversary celebration

Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 67 McClure St., Struthers, is celebrating its 85th anniversary this weekend.

Celebration details: The Total Praise and Worship Choir of the church will present a musical at 5 p.m. today directed by Charles Robinson, minister of music. Special guests will be soloist Rachelle Joy and Friendship Baptist Church choir. On Sunday, a service will be at 11 a.m., a dinner at 1:30 p.m. and program at 3.

Theme: “Let the Church Fulfill Its Calling” is the theme and the Scriptural emphasis is 2 Chronicles 7:14.

The beginning: Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church had its origin from a group of homemakers in a Missionary Circle, which was organized Nov. 10, 1925, in the home of Pearl Penson, 131 Narcissa Ave., Struthers. Members were Rebecca Nicholas, first president; Georgia Watkins, first secretary; and Dora Sheppard, Annie Tate, Pearl Penson, Lizzie People, Rosa Davis and Annie Mays. A garage on Narcissa Avenue next to the home of Louella Suber was a meeting place. The first idea was to establish a Sunday school for children. A formal church organization was undertaken with the guidance of the Rev. A.J. Gould, pastor of Shiloh Baptist. The name Pilgrim Baptist was suggested by the Rev. Mr. Gould.

Charter members: Charter members were Pearl Penson, Joseph and Rebecca Nicholas, Dora Sheppard, James Wingfield, John and Lizzie People, Annie Tate, Ervin and Georgia Watkins, Glover Tensley and Clarence Alexander, first Sunday school superintendent. Della Lawrence was the first church organist and Glover Tensley, first choir director.

Leadership: The Rev. J.W. Brown was elected as acting pastor. The first called as pastor of the Pilgrim was the Rev. C.W. Lee and under his leadership, a church was built on John Street.

A new church: In January of 1935, the Rev. W.M. Nelson began his ministry at Pilgrim. The Rev. Mr. Nelson established Pilgrim’s first Usher Board and initiated the second church structure built on the corner of John and McClure Streets. The Rev. I.D. Spencer was called in October of 1956 and the first baptismal pool was installed.

Son of the church: The Rev. Ralph Burton became pastor in January of 1967 and had the distinction of being the first ordained minister. The Rev. Mr. Burton was baptized at Pilgrim as a young man and had served as junior deacon and superintendent of the Sunday school. Under his leadership, the church added more than 150 members. Tithing was initiated, auxiliaries increased in number and youth organizations were established. Pastor Burton had a vision of a new edifice and groundbreaking for a new church was May 24, 1970. Pilgrim had raised $23,000 that year, more than ever in its history. Easter Sunday of 1971 marked the end of services in the old edifice. A special communion was celebrated. A dedication for the new edifice was the first Sunday in November of 1971. A mural over the baptismal pool was painted by Rebecca Ann Walker, granddaughter of charter member Rebecca Nicholas. During Mr. Burton’s pastorate, the church newsletter began and is now called “Prime Time News,” the church pictorial directory was started in 1994, the Eva Mae Burton Scholarship Award was established, recognition awards for its graduates and “Un Sung” Hero Award were begun and Pilgrim Praise Dancers, Women Mentoring Women, Perfect Praise Singers, Marquee and Youth Fellowship Night were organized.

Improvements: On Oct. 29, 1978, at the 53rd anniversary celebration, a mortgage burning ceremony took place. In 1979, special needs of the church and its members led to an addition being built and dedicated May 24, 1980. The addition has added a pastor’s study, nurses station, library, robe room, financial room and conference room. A parsonage also was built in 1980. Pilgrim had its second mortgage burning May 23, 1993.

Choirs: The church began with one original choir, and now has four active choirs. They are the Amalgamated Choir (combined choirs), the Total Praise and Worship, Male Chorus and Youth Choir.

Church organizations: The Deacon Board, Deaconess Board and Trustee Board. There are three Usher Boards of Senior Ushers, Young Adult and Youth Usher Board. The Sunday school Department has six classes for various age groups and Bible study and prayer service are weekly. Assisting are ministers Leroy Vaughn and Mose Suber.

Expansion: In 1996, land next to the church on McClure Street was purchased for a parking lot.

Change of leadership: In August 2005, Leroy Vaughn became minister during Mr. Burton’s leave of absence. On Nov. 5, 2005, Mr. Burton, after 39 years as pastor, announced his retirement effective Jan. 1, 2006, and a retirement banquet was Jan. 28, 2006. On Jan. 31, Mr. Burton died.

New leader: The Rev. Lee T. Rucker Jr. was called as pastor beginning Sept. 9, 2007, and was installed Sept. 30.

Services: Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m. and worship service at 10:55 a.m. Bible Study is at 7 p.m. Wednesdays and prayer service at 8:30 a.m. Sundays and 8 p.m. Wednesdays.

Website: www.pmbc.us

Source: Pilgrim Baptist Church Historical Committee