Pastoral History

Rev. H. Hebron, 9th Pastor

Reverend Hebron was called by the Church and blessed the congregation with 5 years of reverent provisions of God's word. During this time, the Evening Choir was organized in 1932. The choir was organized to sponsor music for the Sunday Evening Worship Service. Also, the Senior Usher Board was organized under his leadership.

Rev. W. B. Neal., 10th Pastor

The Church next called Reverend Neal. He served for eleven years. During his tenure, the members worked earnestly and diligently to organize choirs and auxiliaries necessary to help the Church function to its fullest potential.

The Young People's Choir was organized during the 1930's. It was originally known as the Senior Choir. This Choir was still active during the early 1940's. The Combined Choir was organized to sponsor the music when other choirs were not available. The Children's Choir whose members ranged from ages 5-12 became the Sunday School Choir and the Junior Usher Board was organized.

After eleven years of service, Reverend Neal's health began to fail. Soon after, God called Reverend Neal home.

Reverend Morgan was next called to Pastor the Church. He was installed on June 15, 1945 and served the Church for 25 years. Under his leadership the Church grew and liminated all its debt. On June 21, 1947, a Mortgage Burning Ceremony was held.

Fifty-nine years after being organized the Church had to seek larger quarters due to the increase in membership. The Church's present location at 172 Shrewsbury Avenue was purchased from the congregation of the Reformed Church, presently located at Hance

Avenue, Tinton Falls, New Jersey, in June 1955. On July 7, 1955 the Reverend Cornelius P. Williams, Pastor of the Second Baptist Church, Long Branch, New Jersey, conducted the Dedication Service.

Rev. Kenneth E. Grayson, 12th Pastor

Reverend Grayson was called to the Church in 1971. He resided in Metuchen, New Jersey. He served the Church for four years. Under his leadership, visions of the Grayson Echoes were organized in 1974. The purpose was to render service in song to accompany the Pastor on his many and various engagements. After Reverend Grayson's resignation from his pastoral duties at Pilgrim, the Grayson Echoes decided to change their name to the "G&M Ensemble", in honor of both Reverend Grayson and Reverend Morgan who was then deceased

Rev. Millard W. Harris, 13th Pastor

Reverend Millard W. Harris was then called to serve the Church. He came to the Pilgrim Baptist Church in October 1975. He was installed on Sunday January 25, 1976. For more then a quarter of a century, the Church continued to grow in spirit and attendance because of the sincerity to the presence of Jesus Christ.

Reverend Harris became more active in community affairs, such as voter registration, social concerns, education and other cultural aspects. Reverend Harris was also a classroom teacher in the Red Bank Public School System.