The Founding (1947)

In April 1947, five faithful believers — William Dewberry, Booker Hannah, Jack Small, Albert D. and Eva B. Umstead — came together to organize a membership to serve the Lord. At the suggestion of Mrs. Mary Pretty, the church was named Pilgrim Baptist Church, with Reverend William Tolbert serving as the first pastor.

In May 1947, a building formerly known as The Third Fork Inn was purchased for $5,000 through united efforts. Weekly services began under Reverend Tolbert’s leadership. He served faithfully until September 1949.

Growth and Leadership

• 2015 – The Pilgrim Baptist Church Youth Ministry, R.E.A.C.H., was launched under the leadership of Rev. April Banks and with the approval of Pastor Davis. The mission of REACH was to engage youth through Evangelism, Engagement, Action, Acceptance, Commitment, Caring, Heart, and Hugs.
• December 2015 – The final mortgage payment was made on the new facility.
• March 2016 – A mortgage burning ceremony was held.
• September 30, 2019 – Pastor Dennis G. Davis transitioned to be with the Lord.

New Leadership and Ministry Expansions

• January 3, 2021 – Reverend Gary D. Jones preached his first service as interim pastor.
• June 27, 2021 – Reverend Jones was installed as the fourth pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church of Durham
• May 2021 – Pastor Jones, with Evangelist Vanessa Jackson, founded the Kingdom Kidz After School Program (K-KAP), which began on August 23, 2021, with 8 students. Today, K-KAP partners with North Carolina Central Community Engagement, a Nutrition Program, and KIPP Durham Elementary, and serves up to 30 students.
• June 2021 – Pilgrim began a partnership with Durham Public Schools to provide meals for children in the community during the summer months — feeding both body and soul with food, fun, and fundamentals for abundant living.
• February 2022 – A partnership was formed with Parkwood Elementary PTA and the Network of Families to distribute food and supplies monthly and stock food pantries at local schools.

Heritage Youth Ministry

In 2022, after the pandemic, the youth ministry was relaunched and renamed HERITAGE. The ministry expanded to include:

• Heritage Worship – a full-time Children’s Church
• Armour – youth Bible study
• Our Heritage News – youth newsletter

Moving Forward

Pilgrim Baptist Church continues to make history through faithful service to God and the community.

Our Mission: To engage, instruct, and prepare our youth for victorious living in a dark world.
Our Vision: To make disciples of Christ who are unashamed of the Gospel, living testimonies set for its defense, and committed to spreading the Good News.

Our Leadership