Our History

Founding and Early Years

Pilgrim Baptist Church was founded on October 24, 1924 under the leadership of Dr. Joseph T. Hill. Dr. Hill, a minister from Hot Spring, Arkansas, had been brought to Winnipeg to conduct services at the Zion United Church during the summer holidays of their pastor. The fledgling congregation was first known as Hill’s Memorial Baptist Church. The inaugural meeting took place in the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Blair. Early services were also held at Zion Church on Pacific Avenue.

When the church was formed in 1924, many of the men were porters on the Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National Railway. The church served the needs of the “Negro” community, giving them a place to worship and fellowship.

Shortly after its inception, Hill’s Memorial Baptist Church relocated to 64 Austin St. and became affiliated with the Manitoba Baptist Convention. A formal Service of Recognition was held October 15, 1925.

In early 1926, the congregation had relocated to Alexander Avenue and Stanley Street. At the time, Dr. Hill sought the services of Rev. D. L. Castern and Rev. W. K. Lolo.

Growth and Development

Perhaps upon reflection of its journey thus far, the congregation voted to change its name to Pilgrim Baptist Church in 1928. The first 8 months of 1928, the Rev. W. J. McCormick, a retired missionary of the Manitoba Convention, served on a temporary basis. However, a full-time pastor was soon called. The Rev. William E. Waddlington moved to Winnipeg from Missouri on September 1, 1928, and the church moved to 258 Jarvis Avenue.

Seven years later, in 1935, the congregation moved again! But this time to the building they purchased at its present location at 41 Maple Street. The building they took over had been built in 1890 and the facility was badly in need of repairs. Needless to say, dollars were scarce during the days of the Great Depression, but a building campaign was launched regardless.

The church was dedicated in a service on April 30, 1939, under the pastorate of Rev. R. O. Johnson who served from 1936-1942. Three more pastors served during the next six years: the Rev. L. G. Lovelace from 1942-1944; The Rev. G. S. Craven from 1944-1945; and the Rev. Ivan Moore from 1945-1947. In addition, Rev. R. W. Smith assisted in the ministry from 1941 to the mid-70s.

While records do not document their beginnings, the annual activities such as the Spring Tea and the Chicken Dinners are placed to have their beginnings in the late 1940s or early 1950s

Founder: Rev. Joseph T. Hill

Winnipeg Tribune; 1939

Challenges and Resilience

During the pastorship of Rev. Melvin Singleton, the old building was renovated and modernized at a “tremendous cost of both labour and sacrifice” of the church’s members and friends.

Then, disaster struck. In minus 30-degree weather in the early hours of January 6, 1950, a blaze raced through the wood-framed building. According to a Winnipeg Tribune article, the fire caused an estimated $8,000 worth of damage. The building, it said, was worth an estimated $15,000.

According to report, fire fighters remained on scene for three hours. Officials said the fire was caused by an over-heated furnace pipe that ran close to a wooden partition in the church basement. The blaze swept into the first floor within 10 minutes. Sadly, the contents of the church were of course destroyed. Spectators reported seeing rafters laden with ice and smoldering stacks of bibles and hymnals.

The spirit, however, carried on. The congregation rose to the challenge and the building was soon restored.

As luck would have it, calamity struck yet again. This time the swollen Red River spilled its banks and flooded along its northernly coast affecting areas of Winnipeg and, subsequently, Pilgrim Baptist Church. The congregation, literally, picked up the broken pieces. Once again, they resorted with strong resolution to renovate and redecorate.

Later that year, Rev. J. C. Mack, an energetic and engaging pastor, and his wife came to Pilgrim. However, he was no stranger to the congregation: Mack’s first contact with Pilgrim had been made years earlier when his job as Pullman car porter led him to Winnipeg. He called Pilgrim home for nearly 16 years.

Under his leadership, Pilgrim progressed. By all accounts, his ministry served not only the church but the entire community. Membership increased, as did fellowship activities. The church, not surprisingly, fulfilled a social need, acting as a gathering place for young men who as railway workers found themselves in the city. Yet, those who stayed on found spiritual fulfillments as well, and many became dedicated and faithful members.

By the early 1960s, talk began of either relocating or extending the current structure to accommodate the congregation. The one-time residential area surrounding the church was giving way to commercial and industrial growth. Yet, the faithful witness of the membership and friends of Pilgrim continued to serve in the community to fulfill its spiritual needs.

In 1966, Rev. Mack accepted a call to a pastorship in Neepawa, Manitoba and the search for a new pastor became a pressing matter. Meanwhile, Deacons Bert Smith and Ernie Crawford provided pastoral leadership. Then, Pastor Mack suggested the congregation approach his long-time friend and former classmate, the Rev. A. R. McCarver.

Rev. McCarver initially hesitated to leave his established post in Nashville, Tennessee. However, after what he described as a “mighty struggle to do my will, the Will of God overwhelmed my ‘fleshy’ selfishness,” and he packed up his family and made the move to Canada. Pilgrim continued to thrive under his leadership, due in part to his “can-do” spirit, his humility and Godly manner. Growth in the Sunday School program prompted the purchase of a bus to accommodate the increasing transportation needs.

Growing Congregation & Expansion

A stable leadership was established among the men and women of the congregation. Secure financial footing was achieved as the mortgage of the first manse was paid off, and the congregation became self-supporting.

As the years went by, it became obvious the little church on Maple Street needed to expand. Many renovations had taken place over the years, but the building was too small. Additional renovations that would likely be inadequate were estimated at $130,000. The campaign to build a “new” church began with Lee Williams as project manager. The total cost would be $450,000 ($450,000 in 1984 is equivalent to approx. $1,190,394 today).

The congregation rose to the challenge of a “new and greater era in the life and service of Pilgrim Baptist Church.” They received support from the Baptist Union of Western Manitoba, the Red River Valley Association as well as individuals and other churches from across Canada.

On Sept. 12, 1984, the old building was bulldozed. Parishioners meanwhile worshipped at Bethlehem Chapel on McGregor Street. Ironically, the province declared the old church building a historic property, after it had been razed.

In 1985, the new building was completed. The new building could accommodate almost twice as many people as the old one. In 1989 after 23 consecutive years Rev. McCarver retired, he was the longest serving pastor at Pilgrim.

The Rev. Donald Russell became pastor in 1990 until 1993. Rev. McCarver briefly acted as interim minister from 1993 to 1994. The Rev. C. G. Symonds was the full-time pastor from 1994 until 1995. Again, in 1995, McCarver along with Bert Smith supplied the pulpit, until late 1996 when the Rev. M. G. Lucas, a fifth-generation Nova Scotian, arrived at Pilgrim in September of that year. The congregation at that time was over 100 strong.

Rev. McCarver served Pilgrim faithfully until his passing in 2002 at the age of 92 years old.

Modern Era

The Rev. Darryl Caston from Las Vegas, NV served Pilgrim from October 2000 until March 2003. Under his leadership the congregation grew and diversified. Pilgrim was then blessed with the service of the Rev. Joseph Kibwa from 2003 to 2006.

The Rev. Cherian Poonnoose came to Pilgrim in the fall of 2007 as a guest speaker. He later took over charge as full-time minister in 2008 to 2009. Under his leadership he initiated many programs. At this time the church children’s ministry rose to new heights with the beginnings of a Vacation Bible School. This included the training for teachers which was organized and conducted by the Child Evangelism Fellowship Program. He also started an Alpha Program which fostered fellowship and concluded with four baptisms.

After Rev. Poonnoose’s departure, Pilgrim was without a minister for 3 years. During this time our pulpit was filled by Rev. Milton Chambers, Pastor Calvert Layne, Pastor Ivor Grant, and Pastor Bob Harris. Pilgrim was truly blessed by their unwavering support at the pulpit.

Pastor George Jarvis came to Pilgrim in 2012 and ministered until 2014. During this time, Deacon Evan Tynes alongside his wife Kathy organized a Youth Ministry. The youth served the church in various roles and participated in community volunteering and outings. A few highlights include volunteering at Winnipeg Harvest and the Among Friends Race which organized activities for youth with disabilities. A few of the outings included the family weekend at Camp Arnes, A Maze-in-Corn, and the Lockdown Sleepover at the church.

Pastor Stephen Jackson came to Pilgrim in the Spring of 2014 till the end of that year. After a short tenure at Pilgrim he was called to renew his services at a previous church in Tampa Bay, FL.

Following Rev. Jackson, the church was without a minister for some time, however, God’s work continued. The pulpit was filled with messages of hope and determination to serve the Lord and community by Deacons Anthony & Evan Tynes, Deaconess Natalie Tynes, Sister Kathy Tynes, and Brother Herbert Carvery. Over the years Pilgrim fulfilled the spiritual needs by continuing to facilitate the Sunday School program, mid-week prayer group, our Annual Brotherhood gospel concerts, and fellowship luncheons. However, Pilgrim was unsure of its future due to decreased attendance and membership, and of course, the absence of a minister.

However, by the grace of God, nearly 5 years ago, our current pastor, Ahmed Alla Jibo, came to us one Sunday as a visitor; with an invitation from one of our deacons, he soon joined them in speaking on the pulpit. Pastor Ahmed did not hesitate to take on the responsibility of speaking every Sunday through the difficult times that Pilgrim faced. God showed Pastor Ahmed his purpose for coming to Winnipeg and he soon became the full-time pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church. His vision continues to help us grow and fulfill the spiritual needs of the community.

Pastor A. Alla Jibo welcoming new member