OUR STORY
A Historical Overview
Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church
Our Beginnings: 1952-1953
Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, Inc. of Albany, New York, began as a mission on September 9, 1952, under the pastorate of Reverend Charles E. Woodard. The charter members included Sis. Maudine Bell, Bro. James Butler, Deacon Hezekiah Coward, and other devoted individuals who contributed to the mission’s foundation. The first location was at 115 Arch Street, with monthly rent set at $50. In February 1953, the mission formally became Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church and moved to 40 Franklin Street, purchasing the property for $17,000. Reverend Woodard faithfully served as pastor for seven years.
Leadership Transitions: 1959-1970
On July 11, 1959, Reverend William Roland was called as the church’s second pastor. During his tenure, Sweet Pilgrim merged with Mt. Zion Baptist Church, led by Reverend C. E. McCoy.
The church moved to its current location at Ten Broeck Street and Clinton Avenue on March 15, 1970. The historic building, erected in 1876, became Sweet Pilgrim’s new home after the downtown Albany properties were acquired for the Empire State Plaza project.
Growth and Milestones: 1979-1992
Reverend Dr. John H. Wilkerson became Sweet Pilgrim’s third pastor in 1979, serving until 1982. Following him, Reverend Haywood D. Bellamy was installed in 1983, leading the church through a successful sanctuary renovation project. Sadly, Reverend Bellamy passed away in 1992 after serving faithfully for nine years.
A New Era: 1993-Present
In 1993, Reverend Andrew J. Rollinson was installed as the fifth pastor, succeeded by Reverend Willis F. Bruton in 1999, a son of Sweet Pilgrim. Reverend Bruton spearheaded a multi-million dollar restoration project, completed in2003, and introduced stewardship and tithing concepts to the congregation. He retired in 2009, and the church welcomed Reverend Dr. Elgin Joseph Taylor, Sr. as its seventh pastor in 2010.
Our Vision for the Future
Under Pastor Taylor’s leadership, Sweet Pilgrim embarked on a 1.6-million-dollar Vision Building and Expansion Project, aiming to develop the adjacent lot for classrooms, office space, restrooms, and more. Renovations to the historical sanctuary are also underway, reflecting the church's commitment to growth and community service
Community Engagement
Sweet Pilgrim is proud of its community outreach, notably its Soup Kitchen, which serves over 100 hot meals every Saturday. The church remains a pillar in the Albany community and is listed as an Albany, New York Historical Landmark and a registered New York State and National Historical Worship Site.
Affiliations
Since its inception, Sweet Pilgrim has maintained active affiliations, including membership in the Hudson River Frontier Missionary Baptist Association, the Empire Baptist Missionary
Convention of New York, and the National Baptist Convention, USA.
