Our History

Organized in June 1896, by Rev. Ebenezer Bird, Pilgrim Baptist Church was one of the first "Negro " Baptist Churches in Red Bank. It was organized in 1896 and began without a permanent home.

The name Pilgrim evolved because the pioneers had to go from home to home to conduct services. Our first church was built in 1910 on a small lot located at 17 Pearl Street. Our present edifice (172 Shrewsbury Avenue) was purchased in 1955.

Pilgrim Baptist Church has over the years been blessed with great leadership-moving the Church to higher and higher levels of spirituality, service, and presence in the community. Including our present Shepherd, we have had 14 Pastors over our 110 year history.

We'd like you to meet them all.

Rev. Ebenezer Bird, 1st Pastor
Rev. Edward Drumingold, 2nd Pastor
Rev. T.F. Tunston, 3rd Pastor
Rev. C.H. McDonald, 4th Pastor
Harvey L. Basic, Church Advisor
Rev. George A. Smallwood, 5th Pastor
Rev. T.F. Fenner, 6th Pastor
Rev. William B. Scott, 7th Pastor
Rev. D.K. Askew, 8th Pastor
Rev. H. Hebron, 9th Pastor
Rev. W. B. Neal, 10th Pastor
Rev. Henry J.Morgan, llth Pastor
Rev. Kenneth E. Grayson, 12th Pastor
Rev. Millard W. Harris, 13th Pastor
Rev. Terrence Keith Porter, 14th Pastor

Church Themes under Pastor Porter

2004 "Loving One Another Through Christ Centered Love"
2005 "Loving One Another to Greatness"
2006 "Enhancing Leadership, Empowering Laity & Reaching the Lost for the Kingdom of God"
2007 "Breaking New Ground, In Our Faith, Family & Fellowship"