PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCH
of South Chicago
3235 East 91st Street
Chicago, IL 60617
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church of South Chicago was organized in 1917, under the divine inspiration of ten members who came out of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, which was located at that time in the South Chicago area. The ten members came together in unity and chose 9104 South Baltimore as the location for their newly organized house of God. Then the Pilgrim journey began. From 1917 to August 1984, Pilgrim has had only five pastors, (Rev. Frank Gaskin, 1917-1922, Rev. Earl Cruther, 1926-1929. Sometime in 1929 the third pastor was elected and the church moved to 3311 East 91st Street and was there until 1943 when the present location was purchased. (Rev. Wainwright was supposedly the Interim Pastor in 1943 and officially elected Pastor in 1944) Rev. Edward Wainwright, 1944-1959, Rev. Geroy Osborne, 1960-1984.
After the Rev. Geory Osborne vacated the Pulpit on August 19, 1984, the Lord sent Rev. Hilliard C. Hudson to Pilgrim and he continues to shepherd the sheep. Pilgrim began a new era as the church began to grow even deeper in the Spirit filled, Bible teaching, and Bible believing truths that are taught. The enrollment of our Sunday Church School began to reach an all time high. Our youth department sprouted like flowers in a Botanical garden. We now have two Bible Study classes, one in the early afternoon and the other in the evening. The Bible Study classes are geared to reach all age groups.
During the Pastoralship of Pastor Hudson, he has implemented ministries in the 1990’s such as, Leadership Workshops, (Fall and Spring), for all leaders, Youth conference’s, Laymen’s Prayer Breakfast every third Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. He also helped established fellowship with Our lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. He helped established our Scholarship Program for our youth who are already attending college and those who are going to attend college. We also have a ministry, which is Feeding of the Hungry. This Feeding Ministry has been in existence here at Pilgrim for the past 23 years. We are thankful to God every Saturday food is prepared by our own parishioners for feeding whoever is hungry. We also have an after school tutoring neighborhood program. These students and teacher meet four afternoons each week.
Pilgrim also has had some great history making events. For instance, the church was used for a scene in the making of the movie, "The Blues Brothers." It was also used in the taping of Oprah Winfrey’s movie-turned series, "Brewster Place." The church was graced with ministries of contemporary gospels-greats, such as, Albertina Walker, Ethel Holloway, and the Rev. Clay Evans. With God’s help, Pilgrim does its best to meet the needs of it parishioners.
The implantation of Enrichment Hour in 2005, which is growth oriented, has expanded our view of Christian Education. A traditional Sunday School class is taught along with other Enrichment Hour classes that focus on doctrinal soundness and spiritual astuteness that encompasses the whole spectrum
of ages. Children are taught a work related model that is motivated and guided by their level of perception.
At the present time Pilgrim is in the progress of finishing the Educational Building adjacent to the main Sanctuary. The Educational Building will hold eleven classrooms, a library, Pastor’s private office and office for the staff. The excitement of the parishioner has move Pilgrim into a place of joy and jubilation. With the diversity of members God has blessed Pilgrim with, we are over-shadowed with love and our fellowship is constantly growing closer and closer together.
The 21st century has opened new avenues for ministry, outdoor worship has been added and the summer months are devoted totally to evangelism. The dress down appearance is an open invitation to "whosoever will...let them come." An Ecumenical Fellowship has been established with the clergy of the South Chicago Community and combined Easter and Thanksgiving worship is shared by all congregants.
We thank God for bringing us from 1917 to present. Our vision into the 21st Century is serving God and ministering to the total needs of the body and we ‘shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth His fruit in His season, and whatsoever we do shall prosper."
