Church History
PILGRIM JOURNEY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH was founded in 1897. It was lead by Rev. Aaron Brown, the first Pastor, who served until 1924 when Rev. Judge Brown became pastor and served until 1925. The next pastor, Rev. Tom Sherman lead the congregation until 1928. It was during his tenure on April 26, 1927, that the land where the church is currently located was purchased for $250.00. The sellers, P.S. Oshman and Joe Oshman were paid $175.00 in cash and the balance was paid in installments. The church officers at this time were Deacons Will Kirk, Charlie Mayberry and Phil Jones and Trustees Deacon Phil Jones, Bro. Robert Brooks and Bro. Took Ross.
The church prospered under the leadership of Rev. O.D. Davis (1928-1933), Rev. Robinson (1933-1934), and Rev. Wilson (1935-1945). In 1945, Rev. O.D. Davis returned and served an additional two years as pastor. The officers who served during this time were Deacons David Simmon, James Ross and Oliver Kirk.
In 1947, Rev. W.L. Weathers was called to pastor and he was aided by Deacons James Ross, Oliver Kirk, Johnnie Mathis, Andrew Edward and Verge Sims. The church was remodeled with the addition of a kitchen and the installation of restrooms. Additionally, the corner stone was laid by the Widowson Lodge No. 368, Deacon Johnnie Mathis, Wishful Master.
After 12 years, the church again welcomed another pastor, Rev. Ned Walker who served from 1961 to 2003. The Officers who served under Rev. Walker were Deacons James Ross, Oliver Kirk, Andrew Edwards, Johnnie Mathis, Verge Sims, Leonard Bailey, James Carrington, Phillip Lofton, Charles Cones, Henry Walker, Nelson Amy and Derrel Carrington. During this leadership, more remodeling was done to include the addition of the Pastor’s Study and the choir room. The kitchen and choir stand were expanded, the men’s restroom was brought inside, central air conditioning was installed, and a sidewalk was added around the church. The Offering Table and Communion Table were donated to the church. Shortly after the turn of the century, Rev. Adan Perez joined the church and enlarged and upgraded the restrooms. On October 13, 2001, the ground breaking ceremony to build the new church was held. On July 12, 2003, the first phase of the construction project, the Church building, was completed and an opening ceremony marked the occasion.
After 42 years of faithful service by Rev. Ned Walker, the current pastor, Robert Simpson, Jr. was called to pastor in December 2003. He was aided by Nelson Amy and Derrel Carrington, the only two Ordained Deacons in the Master’s Service. The church began to experience a significant growth in membership, several new ministries were added, and Deacon Nelson Amy was appointed Business Manager. Under Pastor Simpson’s leadership, the second phase of the construction project was completed to include demolition of the old church and installation of the parking lot, marquee, steeple and cross.
Pastor Simpson has ordained several Deacons who continue to serve. These Deacons are David Chapman, Donald Cooper, Chris Darthard, Nelson Fitzgerald, Herbert Garcia, Derrick Gardiner, Sr., Robert L. Greenwood, James Handy, Rodney Hayes, James Jackson, Tommie Jackson, Robert Mayberry, Troi Moore, Ozell Phoenix, Willie Randle, Monte Scott, Saxton Walker, Robert Willis, Jr., Deon Wilson, Norvell Winslow and Jason Wyche. Additionally, he ordained Onnie “Cooter” Fitzgerald as a Deacon Emeritus. During the first six years of Pastor Simpson’s leadership, three Associate Ministers were elevated to the office of pastor and left to serve other churches. Rev. Earnest Sharp is now pastor at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Richmond, TX; Rev. Bruce Washington is at Berean Baptist Church in Houston, TX; and Rev. Kelvin Love is pastor at Evergreen Baptist Church in Wallis, TX.
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