Pilgrim Baptist Church - Centennial Yearbook (St Paul, MN)

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Pastors of Pilgrim Church 1. Rev. Robert Hickman - 1863-1886 9. Rev. W. D. Carter - 1900-1909 2. Rev. Bird Wilkins - 1886-1887 10. Rev. E. W. McDonald - 1910-1914 3. Rev. William Gray - 1887-1889 11. Rev. B. N. Murrell - 1914-1918 4. Rev. Lewis C. Sheafe - 1889-1893 12. Rev. B. H. Hodge - 1918-1920 5. Rev. Robinson C. Quarles - 1893-1895 13. Rev. L. W. Harris - 1922-1938 6. Rev. D. Underwood - 1895-1896 14. Rev. S. E. Ware - 1941-1944 7, Rev, B, B, HiIl,- 1897 15. Rev. Floyd Massey, jr. - 1944- 8. Rev. D. S. Orner - 1898-1900 HA Look At Pilgrim's Progressw The history of Pilgrim Baptist Church, St. Paul, Minnesota, had its inception in 1863 when Rev. Robert T. Hickman, a slave licensed as a preacher in Missouri, and about fifty other slaves escaped by way of the underground to the Union Army lines at jefferson City, Missouri. Traveling on to a Mississippi River Port, they embarked on the Steamer l'War Eagle for St. Paul, Minnesota. They were disembarked at Fort Snell- ing where they were kept while citizens of St. Paul decided what should be done with them. Later, they were split into three groups and the group that re- mained in St. Paul, led by Rev. Hickman, founded Pilgrim Baptist Church. Early meetings were held in a music hall on Third Street. For some years the congregation had difficulty finding meeting places and shifted from one hall to another, then a church was built on Sibley Street. Later this building was moved to Cedar Street near Thirteenth. Around the beginning of the century, this building was incorporated into a larger structure which was used until the present edifice was constructed in 1928 during the able pastorate of the late Dr. L. W. Harris. History records that Rev. Hickman served from 1863 to 1886 and during his ministry he was instrumental in establishing the firm roots from which Pilgrim Baptist has nurtured and grown throughout the past one- hundred years. It is Minnesota's oldest and largest predominantly Negro Church, Further, during the ad- ministration of Rev. Hickman, under authority of the church, two mission churches were organized . , . Zion Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota and another church at Hastings, Minnesota. The Sunday School development was on a parallel with that of the church, satisfactory in every detail. The children were well indoctrinated and preserved to the denomination. Some of the early Sunday School Superintendents included Brothers: G. W. Prescott, Robert jordan, A. M. Torbet, Orlo Rogers, Thomas G. Merrill, H. C. Hobart, J. H. Hickman, Charles Martin, D. E. Beasley, G. W. James, Mrs. Lillian Turner, George W. Willis and Marion Bolling. During the period 1870-1880 the following brothers and sisters served in the capacities indicated: Church Clerks . . . Brothers William H. Griffin, H, Hickman, james Henry, Clarence jones, Charles Martin, George W. James, Oliver Blidge, G. W. Wills and Sisters Ann Durant and Fanny Dodd, Deacons . . . H. Moffit, john Trotter, Ben McHandy, D. E. Talbert, J. Combs, Sr., Andrew jackson, Clement Seymour, J. H. Hickman and Clarence Jones, Trustees . . . D. E. Talbert, F. Combs, 10 Anderson Peters and Andrew Jackson, Church Treas- urers . . . F. Combs, lr., H. Combs, Ann Durant, Charles Martin, H, Hickman, Allen, B. john- son and Alf Roberson. Unfortunately, the records be- tween 1880-1890 have been misplaced and we are unable to give the succession for the intervening years. The Rev. Bird Wilkins succeeded Rev. Hickman. He pastored from 1886 to 1887. It was during his pastorate that the Cedar Street church was built. Rev. Wilkins was followed by the Rev. William Gray who administered the needs of the congregation until 1889. The next pastor was Rev. Lewis C. Sheafe who served til 1893. Rev, Robinson C. Quarles succeeded Rev. Sheafe and served til 1895. Rev. D. Underwood followed him and served til 1896. The Rev. B. B. Hill pastored the church in 1897. He was followed by Rev. D. S. Orner whose tenure was from 1898 to 1900. Dr. XV. D. Carter was called to the pastorate in 1900 and served until 1909. During his tenure, Pilgrim got her first pipe organ. Mrs. Nellie Francis journeyed to New York City and persuaded the Carnegie Foundation Organ Committee to present Pilgrim with an Espey organ. It remained in service until 1958 when it was replaced by a new pipe organ. Dr. E. H. McDonald served the church 1910-1914. He was one of the first Negro graduates of the Univer- sity of Chicago. During his tenure many outstanding Evangelists were secured and a great harvest of Souls gathered into the fold. The Deacons and Trustees, on the request of the Pastor, were arrayed in Prince Alberts for Sunday Services, making a very dignified appear- ance. On many occasions Dr. McDonald took the Church on 'IA Trip Aboardu with slides taken in Lon- don. He took great pride in doing this and giving all the proceeds to the church. Once each year the Rev. McDonald and wife gave a banquet in his home for the officers of the church. The Rev. B. N. Murrell ministered the church from 1914 to 1918. lt was during his pastorate that the present church site was purchased. At this Central 8: Grotto corner stood a tiny wooden church building which was later moved to the alley to make room for the present sanctuary. In this wooden structure the St, Paul Urban League and N.A.A.C.P. were organized. The tiny wooden building was used for lavatories and meeting rooms until the Educational Unit was built. The Rev. B. H. Hodge was called in 1918 and pastored until 1919. During his pastorate, a parsonage was pur- chased at 719 St. Anthony Avenue. In 1922, Dr. Lee W, Harris was called. Dr. Harris

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Deacons - Deaconesses Board, 1946: Left to right, first row, L. E. Tarver, G. W. Wills, N. N. Smith, Rev. Massey, Frank Simpson, Chairman, W. V. Howard. Second row: Monroe Duncan, Foster Phillips, Simon Arnold, N. J. Hunter, George Downey. Third row, Deaconesses: Lydia Brown, Anna Black, Lillie Downey, Stella Arnold, Alice jackson, Azzie Stephens, Chairman, Josephine Todd, Myrtle Oliver, Annie Banks, Alberta Bell, Cordelia Hunter, Hannah Massey fRev. Massey's motherj. Exif Board of Trustees, 1946: Left to right, first row, Harry Ballard, B. L. Morris, Queen Ransome, M, A. Bolling, Chair- man, Dr. Massey, Effie Wills, Elizabeth Hall, Archie Ragland, S. E Hall. Second row: I. S. Wooten, james Murray, B. F. Taylor, Edmond Moore, I. M. Dorsey, john Lawrence, Charles jack- son, Robert Williams.

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was reared and educated in Emporia, Kansas. He re- ceived his Bachelor of Divinity Degree from Emporia State College. In 1931, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him at Western Baptist Seminary at Kansas City, Missouri. Early in his career he pastored in Leavenworth, Kansas, was Home Missionary Field Worker in Canyon City, Colorado under the sponsorship of the American Baptist Convention. Following this position, Dr. Harris served twelve years pastorate in the state of Missouri. Nine years of his Missouri pastorate were spent as pastor of Virginia Street Baptist Church at Carrollton, Missouri. The remaining three years were spent as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church at Fulton, Missouri. While pastoring in Fulton, he was appointed Field Secretary for the National Baptist Convention. At this time, the NBC was in the process of erecting the Na- tional Baptist Publishing House under the leadership of the late Dr. A. M. Townsend. In April 1922, Dr. Harris accepted a call to pastor at Pilgrim Baptist Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. During his pastorate, the present Sanctuary was erected in 1928. The Daily Vacation Church School was organized in june of 1922. He also fostered participation of the Community Youth in the Snail Lake Vacation Camp. For several years, Dr. Harris was Moderator of the Minnesota Baptist State Convention . . . a position he held until his demise. The late Dr. L. K. Williams appointed him to or- ganize and direct the National Baptist Moderators Asso- ciation of the National Baptist Convention. Dr. Harris was also active with the American and Northern Baptist Conventions and the Greater Twin City Council of Churches. He served on several different boards of these organizations. Dr. Harris was Editor and Printer of the first printed church bulletin for Pilgrim . . . it was known as the Informer . Besides his religious activities, he found time to serve as active board member of such different civic organiza- tions as the Urban League, N.A.A.C.P. and Hallie Q. Brown Community Center. The family of Dr. Harris supported Pilgrim during his lifetime and has continued since his death. The late Mrs. L. W. Harris was organizer and presi- dent of the L. W. Harris Gospel Chorus in 1938, Director of the Cradle Roll and Home Department of the Sunday School as well as active with other Pilgrim organizations. Mr. Lee W. Harris, now a resident of New York City, was well known as an outstanding singer here before making his home in New York. At present Mr. Harris holds an executive position with Ohrbach's Dept. Store in Union Square, New York. The late Miss June Harris was a faithful and ardent worker in the church. She was quite active in the BYPU and a member of the Gospel Chorus. She edited the Pilgrim Baptist Church Bulletin for several months. Miss Harris was also a group worker at Welcome Hall now known as Ober Boys Club. Mrs. Odelle Harris Galloway is Assistant Director of the Gospel Chorus. She also holds a position as Social Worker with Ramsey County Welfare Department. Mrs. Arlee Harris Scott is President-Director and Pianist of the Gospel Chorus. Mrs. Scott is a member of the staff of the Ramsey County Welfare Department serving as Case Aide. Also, Mrs. Scott is an accom- plished Musician, having studied at the University of Minnesota. At present she is continuing study at Mac- Phail College of Music. Women have played an important role in all phases of the work. Some of the first members were: Grand- ma Hickman, wife of founder Rev. Hickman, Aunt Slate, Mesdames Trotter, Combs, Toliver, Peters and Giles. Some of the outstanding leaders were: Maggie Irvin, First Pres. of Ladies Aid, Lula Howard, Henri- etta james, Susie Gaylord, Anna Jordan, Laura Hick- man, zealous missionary workers. Mmes. jordan and Gaylord were staunch supporters of the National Bap- tist Missions cause. Annie Foster was president of Ladies Aid for more than quarter of a century, Jennie Kelly was financial secretary, Susie Walker, Ida M. johnson were zealous Ladies Aid Workers. Nellie Francis secured a pipe organ from the Carnegie Founda- tion, Martha Diggs and Nema Phillips were pastor's aid leaders, Emma Mosby, Martha Williams, Carrie johnson lived to 100 years of age, Mother Clayton, Azzie Stephens, Josephine Todd were Deaconess board Chairmen, Effie Wills served as Trustee, Deaconess and Social 8: Literary Society leader, Evelyn Hickman, grand- daughter of the founder, was an early organist, Hattie Hall, late wife of Trustee S. E. Hall was organist for more than 40 years. Queen Ransom was the first Woman Treasurer, Hattie Walker was president of Earnest Workers for more than 20 years. Today our women are carrying on in excellent fashion as did the Women of yesteryear. God's benedictions be upon all of them. The Rev. S. E. Ware was pastor 1941-1944 coming from Pittsburgh where he was on the ministerial staff of Central Baptist Church. During his tenure, the sanctuary and parsonage were remodeled. Rev. Ware was dynamic and created a new spirit of giving. More- over, many members were added to the rolls. Mrs. Ware was an accomplished musician who worked with the Senior Choir and Treble Clefs. She was an excellent teacher of piano and voice and contributed much toward the cultural enrichment of the community. A word should be left here regarding Rev. David Beasley, Rev, W, Phelps, and Rev. Isaac Fisher. At different periods, they served the church on an interim basis. They are unsung heroes who helped keep the ship moving until a new captain came. In September 1944, Floyd Massey, jr. a native of the Carolinas, came to us as pastor, following graduation from Divinity School. Under God's Guidance, peace and harmony prevailed. Immediately, the church roster was brought up-to-date and the budget system was adopted. For the purpose of erasing the remaining 355000 indebtedness on the sanctuary, the pastor intro- duced Fellowship Units system. Within eight months the mortage was retired. Such an effort encouraged the congregation to continue its spiritual efforts. The roof and exterior walls of the sanctuary were repaired, the parsonage property improved, the Cedar Street Church lots were saved by paying the taxes, and later sold to the city for the capitol approach project. Parti- tions were purchased to provide some privacy for church school classes, a public address system was installed and an electrical outdoor bulletin board presented. ..4