Church History
According to a copy of the Middle District Baptist Association publication, Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1875 by the late John Mitchell. The first pastor was Reverend George Roe and some of the charter members were: Charlie James, Samuel Huffie, Hatch Faison, Joe Herring, Alice Hansley, Lannie Mitchell and Sarah Mitchell. Before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed Snow’s Cut in 1930, connecting the Intracoastal Waterway to the Cape Fear River, or before any other churches were formed on the island of Carolina Beach, the only church bells that rang in the Federal Point Community, were from Mt. Pilgrim. It’s a small charming church with beautiful, stained glass windows built between 1902 and 1915 by a Mr. Turner for $1.00 per day. Over the years, because of road construction and other development in the area, the structure was relocated on land donated by the descendants of Robert Bruce Freeman, Sr. specifically, his son Archie, in November 1921.
Although many faithful and steadfast members have come and gone home to be with the Lord, it is evident that Mt. Pilgrim established the spiritual beginnings of the churches in the Seabreeze community. We are ALL connected not just by blood, but also spiritually. Today, as we reflect on our beginnings, the seed of spiritual understanding was planted by our ancestors who ventured to this church. For more than a century now, Mt. Pilgrim has been a pillar of faith and strength in its works for Almighty God, with service and dedication to the families of the Seabreeze community and surrounding area. One thing still remains true today: Mt. Pilgrim is a church family of faithful believers who give thanks to God Almighty for this day.
Known Past Officers:
Pastors (former)
Rev. George Roe – 1876
Rev Rev. Mills (also pastor at 1st Baptist Church) – 1940
Rev. Peter Dickerson
Rev. Stokes
Rev. Fred Moore and Rev. Saul Dinkins, Assistant Pastor
Rev. William Boney
Rev. Pettiford
Rev. J. T. Robinson
Rev. Johnnie C. Pridgen – 1977-1993
Rev. Joseph Ballard – 1993-2003
& Rev. George Halyard, Associate 1995-2007
Rev. Ronald Henry – 2003-2005
Rev. Robert Jacobs (Pastor Elect) 2005-2006
Rev. Corey Weaver (Pastor Elect) 2006-2009
Bishop James R Malloy - 2009-2019
Deacons (former)
Alfonza Freeman, Chairman
Roscoe Freeman, Chairman
William (Billy) Freeman
Joseph Farrow, Chairman
Bruce Freeman
George Hill
Al Holmes
Joe McQuillan
Bernard Stevens, Jr.
Howard Wade
Trustees (former)
James Blackmon
Deloris (Nank) Farrow
Donald Farrow
Grant Farrow
Ronald Lockwood
Thomas Robinson, Sr.
Benjamin (Bennie) Ross
James Ross
Doland Trottie
Adolph Wade
Writing history is no easy task and it takes a lot of time, research and input from many people to restore our heritage. This known historical document is a culmination of a few resources, but we are eager to acquire more information to make the story of out past more complete.
Compiled and Written by: Sis. Ann Freeman, Sis. Ruby Freeman, and Sis. Deidre McGlone-Webb. Other source contributors: Sis. Charlotte Atwood, Bro. Bill Freeman, and Ms. Jenny Edwards.
