Mission Statement
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church to be a committed church that embraces a spirit of excellence in ministry
History of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church
In 1927, a stone was set as a pillar in the community within the city of Grand Rapids when Christian altruism found it highest expression in what is called the Golden Rule; “Do unto others as you would have them to do unto you” (St. Matthew 7:12 and St. Luke 6:31).
As we became the fruits of the True Light Missionary Baptist Church, Christian men and women formed as an organization dedicated to the Lord and for the work of His Ministry. This group called themselves the Golden Rule Club and they met for the purpose of organizing a Missionary Baptism Church.
During the first meeting, the late Reverend Wyatt M. Northcross acted as Moderator and the late Deacon T.G. Scott lead the group in its first prayer; they both were members of Messiah Missionary Baptism Church. Other members present were Brother & Sister C. Brown, Rev. M. Roberts, Brother R. Brown, Brother and Sister Mayo, Brother & Sister Smith, Brother & Sister Guest, Brother & Sister Riley, and Sister Luckett.
Sister Luckett made a motion to name the Church “Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church” and the group graciously approved that motion. Once the organizational structure was decided, a place of worship had to be determined. Devoted Christians being of the same mine and on one accord established 422 Ionia SW (Ionia and McConnell Street) as the first place of worship. A member of the Golden Rule Club, the late Reverend William A. Moss was elected to be their first Pastor.
From 1927 to current the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church has been blessed to worship under the leadership of seven Pastors: Reverend William Moss, Reverend Will Thompson, Reverend Emmitt Hill, Reverend Aaron Harris, Reverend Dr. Maurice Jones, Reverend Arthur Pearson, and the Reverend Dr. Timothy Mark Harris. Each Pastor has made a great contribution to the Church and community physically, spiritually, and financially.
Pilgrim was the first Black Church in the city to build a new edifice in 1966. The fifteen-year mortgage was paid off in eight years and several additions have been added because of the Pastor’s vision and leadership from God. A large number of Pilgrim Ministers were called by God to Pastoralship.Second and third generations of Pilgrim families are members currently. We are thankful to God,knowing that He has blessed Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in abundance.
One thing for sure, time bring about change and with new Pastors, bring new visions. One thing remains constant is the Word of God, which is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever more…AMEN!!!
- Rev. Darryl S. Gaddy Sr
- Pastor Dr. Timothy Harris
- Pastor Aaron Harris
- Pastor Emmett H. Hill
- Pastor Dr. Maurice Jones
- Pastor William Moss
- Pastor Arthur Pearson
- Pastor Will H. Thompson
Contact Us
Please use the form to send us a message. We can also be reached by Phone at (616) 241-3315.