“Our pastors, leadership and members have kept it going, and by the grace of God, we’ll continue,” said Linda Avery, the church’s clerk and a 53-year member.
The church’s roots began with meetings in homes of people who wanted to worship in October 1920. They would soon move outdoors for services under a tent on the corner of Clay St. and Hensel Ave. with the order of two churches, Mount Lula Baptist and Missionary Baptist, combining to form New Hope Baptist Church, before again changing to its current name.
In February 1932, land was purchased to establish a building at 1748 Clay St., where it would stand for 45 years, before moving again to its current location. Avery said on July 3, 1977, the church members had a procession from the old to the new one, which sports several distinctive stained-glass windows members donated the funds for.
One source of pride for Mt. Pilgrim is having just six pastors in its history, including two who have been there for 78 of those 100 years. Pastor Howard Crockran served from 1942 until his death in 1979, while current pastor Rev. James H. Gavin has been in his position since 1980.
“That’s quite a record. We have several families that have worshiped here since the beginning,” said Avery, whose family joined Mt. Pilgrim after moving to Springfield from Alabama.
The church has established itself in serving the Springfield community through its missionary outreach ministry for those in need, along with an annual Vacation Bible School that invites not just members but all community children.
“We have to reach out beyond the walls of our church, that’s our mission,” Avery said.
Mt. Pilgrim has about 100 members. Since the pandemic, Sunday morning worship only draws about 15 in person, who take strict precautions including wearing masks and observing social-distancing, according to Avery. But the church also offers a conference call in which other members can listen in live from their homes.
The pandemic also dashed plans for Mt. Pilgrim to observe its 100th anniversary with the public. Avery said the celebration will still occur in the future when the time is right. Until then, the congregation plans to carry on as they have for a century.
“Like everyone, we’re trying to get through these trying times by celebrating and lifting the name of Jesus,” she said.
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