The Second Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church originated in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Butts in 1916 at 460 N. Franklin Street. Mrs. Butts, a devoted Christian mother, opened her doors to all her neighbors and friends for prayer meeting one Wednesday evening and continued to do so every week thereafter. Among the friends was a gentleman, the Reverend John Augustine, who was the spiritual guidance of the group. By 1922, the attendance had grown and as time moved on they had to seek a larger place. The members decided to rent a storefront building at the corner of Darien and Buttonwood Streets. Here they continued to sing, pray and rejoice in the Lord.

It was suggested and agreed upon that the group be given a name or title. A mission was organized with a guest speaker each week to preach the gospel to them. Later, the name of Second Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church was adopted, with Reverend John Augustine presiding as moderator. A young minister from West Philadelphia, the Reverend George Allen was called on, approved and elected as the first pastor.

The Church charter was signed and sealed with the approval of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The elected officers were Deacon Primus Payton, First Chairman, Deacons Louis Fry, Nathaniel Dickerson, Wright Miller, Thomas Scott, Abraham Schuler, George Drayton, Clark Stemege and Freeman Williams.

First Choir organized was known as the Senior Choir with Mrs. Jackson as musician. Later, the Junior Choir was formed with Mrs. Ida Mitchell as musician. Deacon Wright Miller was the First Superintendent of the Sunday School. Mrs. Eliza Stemege was the First president of the Deaconess Board and Brother James V. Myers was the First Usher Board President. Our Pastor, the Reverend George Allen was later called to pastorate in New York.

In 1927, the Reverend Leonard Carmichael was called, elected and became the second pastor. The little church grew spiritually and financially. Also, the membership increased under his realm. Reverend Carmichael went from labor to reward in 1931 after being Pastor for four years.

In July 1931, Reverend R. L. Thomas was called and elected to be pastor. This giant of a man stood tall and was a tremendous leader. He exhibited a special spiritual ability and many people would turn to him for advice, prayer and leadership. He had a vision to move forward and in October 1945, the Officers, Members and Friends marched with great pride and determination into their new and present edifice 854-860 North Fifteenth Street. Rebbie, as he as affectionately called organized the Thomas Gospel Chorus, the Widows Club, the Matrons Club and many more. Reverend Thomas was a man of whom everyone was proud. He was dedicated to God, his family and the service of the Church. After 38 years of tremendous service his health prevented him from serving further. As a result, he was made Pastor Emeritus. On January 12, 1974 he was called home from labor to reward.

In 1969, Reverend John Franklin Jones who was serving as Assistant Pastor, under Reverend R.L. Thomas was elected by the membership to become our pastor. Through Reverend Jones’ leadership, many souls were saved and sick bodies were healed through his many anointed prayers. Many auxiliaries were organized under his leadership. They included the Jones Gospel Chorus, Jones Specials, Junior Deacons, Junior Trustees, Traveler’s Club, Building Fund, Youth Church and the Credit Union. God blessed him to do many things for the expansion of the Church, spiritually and financially. The Sunday School and Dinning Room were refinished as well as installing beautiful pews and carpets in our main sanctuary. He was an outstanding gospel singer and sang with a number of groups. After a brief illness, he was called to rest on March 11, 1977.

In 1977, once again our Shepherd’s Chair was vacant, but the Lord blessed us with a very good gospel preacher, the Reverend L.V. Johnson, Sr. from South Carolina. He had previously conducted a revival for us in the fall of 1977 and the church membership was blessed and highly impressed. He was elected as Pastor of the church the following year, 1978. He is a great preacher and singer. The pleasure is all ours to listen to his sermons. Since becoming pastor, he has organized the Y.W.A., the Scholarship Club. Also, new stained glass was installed, air conditioning was installed for our pleasure, a church van was purchased for the convenience of the senior citizens and disabled. And in 1987, we began our New Church Building Fund and Give God Your Change Program. Through his leadership and guidance, the membership increased by 750 members. We renovated the basement of the church, installed stained glass windows in front of the church and purchased a church parsonage and other church properties. Under Reverend Johnson’s leadership the following ministries were setup: Department of Youth Ministries, Department of Young Adult Ministries, Department of Children’s Ministries, Department of Christian Education, Evangelistic Ministries, Department of Family Enrichment Ministries, Department of Presidents Ministries, Department of Teenage Ministries, Wednesday Night Bible Class and Home Bible Study Program. Reverend L.V. Johnson, Sr. was pastor from 1978 to 1992.

In November 1992, Reverend William J. Scott, Jr. was elected Pastor. Under the leadership of Reverend Scott 8:00AM Early Morning Worship Service and Church Orientation were started. Reverend Scott served as pastor until May 1998.

In April 2000, Reverend Donte` L. Hickman was elected by the membership to become our pastor. Reverend Hickman, a spirited gospel preacher was known for his ability to preach about daily situations giving biblical foundation, instruction and guidance. Reverend Hickman instituted the following ministries: Renewing Our Mind Through The Word, Pastor’s Administrative Liaisons (PAL), God’s Anointed New Generation Choir (G.A.N.G.), Evening Communion and Baptismal Services, Monthly Theme Ministries, Ministers In Training (M.I.T.). Under the leadership and spiritual guidance of Reverend Hickman, church membership and youth church involvement increased greatly. Reverend Hickman was pastor for two years.

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