ABOUT US
Est. 1900
Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
In the year of 1900 a group of Christian men and women migrated from Shiloh Louisiana. They met and planned the organization of a church home. With humble beginnings, the church was established and named Pilgrim Rest.
ABOUT US
OUR VISION
We are one church with one vision: Making New, Making Great. Making New refers to the new life that comes with a decision to follow Christ. Making Great refers to the great life we experience when we love and serve God. We want every person to experience both.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit having the same attributes and perfections. He has always existed, never having a beginning, never ending, and never changing. He is holy, merciful, forgiving, compassionate and just.
OUR COMMUNITY
We are a diverse community centered on Jesus Christ, seeking to wholly enjoy His grace, faithfully embody His love for one another, and boldly engage our culture with His truth, from our neighborhoods to the nations.
In the year 1900, a group of Christian men and women migrated from Shiloh, Louisiana. They met and planned the organization of a church home. With humble beginnings, the church was established and named Pilgrim Rest.
The first place of worship was a pine brush arbor and served as the primary place of worship for about 12 months. The next year, a boxed-house approximately 18 x 24 feet was built.
In 1903, a revival was conducted by the pastor, Rev. C. L. Woods. A small group united with the church; their names currently appear on the monument in front of the church.
During Rev. Albert Henry’s tenure, steps were taken to move the church from Russ Pasture (on the north side of town) to its present-day location. In 1905, a building was erected and additions made thereafter. Through the years, the church obtained many Christian souls, including, both faithful deacons and pastors who diligently led the flock.
In 1944, during the pastorate of Rev. D. S. Chandler, the church began its expansion of a Building Fund Drive to annex the kitchen and dining hall.
During the pastorate of Rev. C. D. Simmons, the dining and kitchen projects were completed; the church indebtedness was relieved; and a business office was added. In addition, church chimes were hung and glorious tones rang each Sunday, announcing the “Lord’s Day”!
In July 1954, Rev. G. C. Wilson was called as pastor. During his pastorate, our pastor of 60 plus years, Rev. Dr. C. L. Oliver was licensed and ordained. Following Rev. Wilson, Rev. Robert Singleton was called and served until his untimely demise.
In July 1955, Rev. Clyde Oliver became pastor. Under his administration, there were numerous accomplishments:
-
The Building Fund Prospered
-
A New Edifice was Erected
-
A New Fellowship Hall was Constructed
-
A Public Address (P. A.) System was Installed for Accommodation Throughout the Church
-
A Marquee was Installed
-
A Piano and Organ was Obtained
-
A Fully Equipped Sound Room was Supplied
-
A Church Van was Purchased
-
A Library was Formed
-
A Second Story Pastor’s Study was Added
-
A Women’s Lounge was Formed
Renovations in 2013-2014 included the replacement of windows, a new roof, beautification of the church grounds, and added amenities to the kitchen and fellowship hall.
Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church was the first African-American full time church in the city of Ruston and the first black church to have a radio broadcast.
In December 2015, following the death of Rev. Dr. C. L. Oliver, the church went into prayer and began to fervently seek God’s guidance in the search for a pastor. Reluctant to make any hasty decisions, the church allowed the Holy Spirit to lead. In October 2016, a Search Committee was selected and the process of actively searching for a pastor began. After a prayerful search, God led His people to elect Minister Brandon J. Crew, pastor.
Pilgrim Rest has a rich history and we are excited about the wonderful work God will continue to do! We are thankful that you, as a member, will be a part of that bright future and God’s plan at Pilgrim Rest.
A new era has begun…we are a Pastor and People in Partnership, rowing, and Serving Together.