Skip to main content
Congresswoman Betty McCollum logo

Congresswoman McCollum's Statement on the 150th Anniversary of the Pilgrim Baptist Church

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the Historic Pilgrim Baptist Church of Saint Paul, and its 150 years of rich history and dedicated service to our community.

Pilgrim Baptist Church is the oldest African-American church in Minnesota, with a history deeply rooted in America's struggle for racial equality and social justice. More than 150 years ago, a group of slaves escaped and embarked upon a turbulent and courageous journey to the North during the Civil War. With the help of Union Forces and the Underground Railroad, this group of black men, women and children departed from Boone County, Missouri. Calling themselves "pilgrims", because they did not know their final destination, they began their long trek through the Midwest, eventually finding refuge in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The group found a leader in fellow escaped slave Robert Thomas Hickman, who had previously learned how to read under the direction of his master, and also received permission to preach to his peers. Reverend Hickman continued this practice upon arriving to Minnesota, gaining many followers who desired a welcoming place to worship. The congregation worshipped in several Saint Paul homes until they were able to rent a room in a local concert hall. Reverend Hickman received his mission status from the First Baptist Church of Saint Paul, and the congregation continued to worship under Hickman's direction, officially becoming the Pilgrim Baptist Church on November 15, 1866.

The courage and dedication of Reverend Hickman and the founders of Pilgrim Baptist Church are woven into church history. Throughout the years, the congregation has not only been a spiritual home for countless families and individuals, but also a center for community action, serving as the birthplace of the Saint Paul Chapters of the NAACP and Urban League as well as schools and organized labor movements. This legacy of community activism continues today through the congregation and Reverend Charles Gill, Jr., who has served as the Senior Pastor since 2004. Reverend Gill remains steadfast in the church mission, delivering a message of love and acceptance to the congregation and the congregation continues to serve the community in many ways.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Pilgrim Baptist Church of Saint Paul, Minnesota, I am pleased to submit this statement.