Marcello Rollando talks Christmas at Charlottesville’s Pilgrim Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church was established in May 1965 under the leadership of Late Reverend Dr. Reginald Alexander Johnson & Mrs. Geneva Johnson.  The first church service was held the second Sunday in May with eight persons in attendance.  A Sunday school was established with Mrs. Lucille Williams as the Superintendent. As membership grew the first choir was established under the musical direction of Mrs. Geneva Johnson.  Deacons and Trustees were appointed as well as an Usher Board established.  The first Deacons of Pilgrim Baptist Church were Mr. Archie Luck Sr., Mr. Henry T. Taylor and Mr. Robert Hill.  The first ushers were Mrs. Thelma Wicks, Mrs. Lucy Morton and Mrs. Ora Woodfolk.

On February 5, 1981 the original sanctuary was destroyed by fire. It destroyed many of the original documents included the original church charter and church History.  Dr. Johnson, the Deacons, trustees and members met shortly thereafter.  Immediately plans were made to rebuild the sanctuary.  For six months the membership of Pilgrim Baptist Church held services in the portion of the building which had sustained only smoke damage.   With donations from other churches, businesses and fundraising by the membership it was possible to begin rebuilding.  In August 1981 the rebuilding was completed the church was rededicated and worship services were again being held in the new Pilgrim Baptist Church sanctuary. 

Pilgrim Baptist Church arose from a vision of Dr. R.A. Johnson in the early 1960s to minister to the people in the community. He continued that vision for 47 years at Pilgrim.  Dr. R.A Johnson retired as Pastor Emeritus on August 11, 2012.  On April 19, 2015, fifty years later the vision continues with Pastor Christopher A. Cooper and First Lady Wendy Cooper.  

For More:

www.pbccharlottesville.org