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In March 1925 at the home of William and Lillie Haynes, Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church was organized. Others present were the Reverend E.J. McClendon, pastor of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Rev. Elijah W. Whitfield, pastor of St. Matthew's Baptist Church, King Burris, Lee E. Bush, James and Mary Sunrise, Ella Scott, Pearlie Neal, Louisa Bush and Ida Nelson. E.W. Whitfield was chosen as pastor and the congregation met in his home at 800 Denison Avenue. Several of the church members also held leadership roles: King Burris, L.B. Bush, James Sunrise and William Haynes, trustees; Lillie Haynes and Ella Scott, church clerk and assistant church clerk, respectively; Pearlie Neal, secretary; Louisa Bush, treasurer and president of the "sick" committee and Ida Nelson, Bible teacher.
In 1926, the church purchased a lot from I.H. Kempner and J.C. Mytinger constructed a one-story frame structure. Subsequent building projects were completed in 1962, 1968, and 1984. Pastors who have served the church include Rev. M.C. Graves, Rev. Lemons, Rev. W.A. Haynes, Rev. T.A. Gaines, Rev George W. Lilly, Rev. Lonnie L. Gordon and Rev W.O. Everett. The church has enjoyed long affiliations with the Progressive West Texas Sunday School Congress, Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas and National Baptist Convention of America. The church calendar has included events such as an annual revival, youth Christmas program and graduate recognition. The church has participated in community outreach through Meals on Wheels, Eastside Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Patsy's House, Interfaith Ministries and the MLK Scholarship Breakfast. Since its founding, the church has remained a beacon of light to the community. |
