New Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church

Church History_______________

 1939-2007

 The original location for our Church was 3322 Navarro Street, Dallas, Texas, known as Dallas West.  The Church was organized and dedicated in 1939 and was named Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church.

 The first Pastor was Rev. Barnes and he pastored for four years in a small lean structure.  He later moved to the State of California and the Rising Star District Association supplied ministers to carry on the service until a permanent Pastor could be called.

 In 1942, Rev. Fields was called, and under his leadership, the first permanent structure was built.  It was small, but it was a beginning for something permanent.

 On October 10, 1944, Rev. George T. Britt was called to Pastor Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church.  At that time, the Church had 12 faithful members and 14 families on roll; this did not discourage Rev. Britt, but motivated him to work harder.  In 1948 under his leadership, a concrete foundation for an extension to that same building was poured.  He continued to work for more structure and an extension to the building.

 In 1951, the name of the church was changed to the New Pilgrim Rest Missionary Church under Pastor Britt’s leadership.  More members were added to the Dallas West Community.  Rev. Britt preached and worked hard for the kingdom building with his faithful wife by his side.  But on May 26, 1960, the Lord called Rev. Britt to his heavenly home.  He served well.

 On September 23, 1960, Rev. Willie James Shackelford was selected from our own congregation to become Pastor of the New Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church.  In the late 60's, the church was complete furnished with central heat and air conditioning.  The parking lot was paved, we purchased new musical instruments and a new dining room was added.  The church was given a total new interior.

 In 1977, Pastor Shackelford launched a “Building Fund Drive” for a new church home.  The membership had again outgrown the present structure and we were in need of classroom facilities and parking.  The vision was given to our Pastor to build a new church structure and to keep this church in the Dallas West area.

Many accomplishments were made under Pastor Shackelford’s leadership.  In 1983, four acres of land was purchased to build the Lord a New House.  A groundbreaking service was held and praises to God were sent up as we all gathered right here on this land at our present address, 1930 Gallagher Street.  Rev. Shackelford looked forward to his dream becoming a reality for many years.  It took a lot of prayers, hard work, tears, disappointment and heartaches, but he kept his eyes on the vision and on God, who gave him the vision.

 Three years ago, August 7, 1994, the dream became a reality, we held entering services as we worshiped and thanked God for his blessings and guidance and for keeping our Pastor strong and the membership as a whole, good followers.  Many came from far and near to share in this Opening Services.

 On October 11, 1996, the Lord called Rev. Shackelford home, he too had served well.  He lived to enjoy this church for two years.  His often spoken words were, “I did not build this church for me, I built it for the next generation to come.”

 On May 28, 1997, a new Pastor was called.  Rev. Billy L. Bell, Sr., was elected as the Pastor.  He was the founder and Pastor of the Judea Missionary Baptist Church, Moderator of the Spirit of Unity District Association of Fort Worth, Texas, and Vice President of the Institutional Missionary Baptist State Convention.  Since Pastor Bell arrived in Dallas at the New Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, God has enabled him with the help of the New Pilgrim Rest Church family, to undertake the following accomplishments:  Established and dedicated the W. J. Shackelford Fellowship Hall in honor of the late Pastor, Dr. W. J. Shackelford.  A 24x24 gold nameplate was placed over the entrance door and a beautiful glass and chrome display case to house memorabilia of our late pastor.  Established the W.J.S. Scholarship Banquet, a 1997 Ford 15 passenger van was purchased, A weekly senior citizen ministry was organized to transport our senior citizens to the doctor, clinics, grocery store, pharmacy, therapy, etc.  Added an administrative office to conduct day-to-day operations of church ministry and business functions.  Computer and copier were updated.  Part time Administrative Secretary was hired.  Security lights were installed in the rear parking lot.  Old storage room was renovated and turned into a classroom.  Women’s lounge was remodeled and carpet added with a color television.  Cabinets were installed in the kitchen area with a serving table added.  G. T. Britt Library was dedicated in honor or our late pastor, Rev. G. T. Britt.  Organized a bible study group called C.L.A.S.S.  The acronym for Christian Ladies Anointed Studying Scriptures.  Organized the B. L Bell Inspirational Choir.  Appointed six junior deacons in September 1997.  Appointed two new Trustees to serve on trustee staff.  Headphone sets for ushers to enhance communication in sanctuary during worship service.  Organized and instituted the Senior Citizen Retreat in June of 1998.  A classroom was renovated and remodeled and a Nursery opened for ages 0-3 was dedicated in June 1998.  Organized senior citizen Christmas Fellowship at the home of our Pastor & First Lady.  In 1999 trustee, Sam Coleman, built a pavilion to house members for cookouts and retreats in the rear of the church.  A Computer Lab, with over seventeen computers was started in year 2000. A new church sign was donated to the church through the Leadership of pastor Bell. A Mother & Daughter breakfast was implemented as well as a Father and Son breakfast. An outreach program called T.B.O.C. (taking back Our Community) was implemented. Over eighty residents were surveyed; to express what New Pilgrim could do, to make the community better. A Cell Ministry, which embraced all members to be part of some ministry in the church. A computer monitor was installed inside the wall to keep members and guess informed of activities and ministries in progress. All Restrooms were remodeled with ceramic tile. The vestibule was remodeled with chairs and embellished with pictures and lamps. A New Roof added. Sunday school literature compiled and published by our own Pilgrim Press Publishing Staff. A Spring Church Wide Institute, with Dr. R. A. Williams, Jr., pastor of McCoy Memorial Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California and President of WHW Ministries, Inc. as our Evangelist. A Fall Church Wide Institute with Dr. Frank Ray, Sr., pastor of Salem Missionary Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee, as our Evangelist. In October a Community Block Celebration was held. A parade with police escort, in West Dallas. The street was blocked off and agencies around the city participating. A Leadership manual with over one hundred and twenty five pages put together.  The manual has job descriptions, ministry needs, vision statements, yearly calendar and much more ministry information.

God assigned jobs for all the above leaders, and the will of God will be done.  Let us continue to work, for our work is not yet finished.

 Matthew 16:24, “If any man will come after me, let him first deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.”

 As Pastor Bell said in his resume, may the peace, promises and prosperity of God be ours as we seek God’s Will.