ABOUT OUR CHURCH
The Full Story
Our Beginnings
In God’s divine plan, the time came for a new church to be established. Led by the Holy Spirit, Reverend Forrest Jefferson was given this sacred charge. On February 27, 1939, the formal organization of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church began in the Union Tabernacle Building, located at the southeast corner of Senate Avenue and St. Clair Street. Reverend Jefferson invited Reverend S. S. Reed—President of the General Baptist State Convention and Pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church—to preside over the founding. That day, thirty-seven faithful believers came together to form the church, including Birter King Jefferson; Earl and Ruth Landers; Wilber and Hattie Jackson; Henry and Hattie Labner; Bertha Baker; Lottie Miller Rucker; London Whitnew; Aletha Sanders; Roy Rogers; Ella Mae Cook Culberton; Alice Stewart; Earl King; Reuben Miller; Thelma Roundtree King; Mattie Pollard; Webster Pollard; Ora Blair; Mildred Landers White; Flossie Hill; Murry Hayden; Helena Suggs; Mary Elizabeth Suggs Hall; Ernest Kimble; Ann Hatcher; Bonnie Hatcher; Savannah Labner; James Jefferson; and John Gaither. These charter members laid the foundation for a church that would grow in faith, fellowship, and service to the community. Reverend Jefferson was called to serve as the first pastor.
Reverend Forrest Jefferson
Reverend Forrest Jefferson was born in Raymond, Mississippi, on April 25, 1880. Though of humble birth, he was destined to fulfill God’s purpose in Indianapolis. Through the power of God and the preached Word, he molded the lives of many. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church began as a mustard seed and grew into a mighty tree, offering shade and comfort to many. Under Reverend Jefferson’s fervent preaching and dynamic leadership, the church grew steadily. After outgrowing its first location, the congregation moved to 19th and Boulevard Place in December 1948. Continued growth led to another move in May 1957 to 30th and Clifton Street. Reverend Jefferson faithfully served until God called him home on March 25, 1967. Reverend John Browder served as interim pastor until December 1968.
Rev. Dr. Stacy R. Shields
In December 1968, Reverend Stacy R. Shields, pastor of First Baptist Church of Campbellsville, Kentucky, accepted the call to pastor Pilgrim. Under his leadership, many souls were added.
In May 1970, tragedy struck when the church building was destroyed by fire. Guided by faith, Reverend Shields led the congregation in rebuilding. Construction began in September 1970 and was completed in April 1971. On the first Sunday of April 1971, the congregation marched into the new sanctuary at 3001–3003 Clifton Street. As the church continued to grow, a balcony and educational wing were added.
Under Pastor Shields’ leadership, Pilgrim became a local, state, and nationally recognized leader in Christian Education. The church produced instructors and leaders in the Union District Congress of Christian Education, General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Indiana, and the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education.
In 2003, ground was broken for a new sanctuary at the original address—1060 West 30th Street. Though Reverend Shields was called to eternal rest in March 2004, the Pilgrim family entered the new facility in May 2004, continuing the work he began.
Rev. Dr. LeRoy Wadlington
During the pastoral transition, Rev. Benjamin Mitchell III served as interim pastor. On November 5, 2005, Pilgrim extended a call to Rev. Dr. LeRoy Wadlington, pastor of Second Baptist Church of Oxford, Mississippi.
Dr. Wadlington brought visionary leadership and expanded ministries, including a multimedia lab and community partnerships such as serving as a distribution site for Gleaners Food Bank. He implemented policies to standardize operations and led efforts to reduce the church’s mortgage. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pilgrim adapted by offering livestreamed worship services and online giving, allowing ministry to continue and expand. A successful capital campaign was launched to replace the church roof. After sixteen years of faithful service, Dr. Wadlington retired in February 2022 and was honored as Pastor Emeritus. He was called home to be with the Lord in November 2022.
Rev. Jeffrey A. Johnson II
In October 2022, Pilgrim welcomed Rev. Jeffrey A. Johnson II, associate pastor of Eastern Star Church in Indianapolis, as senior pastor. He began his service on November 15, 2022, and led the congregation through a season of grief and renewal following the passing of Pastor Emeritus Wadlington. Under Pastor Johnson’s leadership, Pilgrim experienced renewed growth. Ministries such as the Connect Team, Children’s Church, and Community Outreach Team were launched or revitalized. During his tenure, in February 2025, the congregation celebrated the burning of the church mortgage--a milestone that marked the fulfillment of a long-awaited goal and stood as a testament to God’s provision. In November 2024, Pastor Johnson was called to return to Eastern Star Church as lead pastor.
Rev. Julian A. Thompson
On August 23, 2025, Pilgrim called Rev. Julian A. Thompson, senior pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Blair, South Carolina, to serve as the congregation’s fifth pastor. He began his ministry with Pilgrim on October 5, 2025, ushering in an exciting new chapter in the life of the church.
Looking Ahead
We give thanks to God for His abundant blessings throughout our journey. As we continue to grow in grace, we remain committed to doing what is pleasing in His sight—serving our community, nurturing faith, and glorifying His name.