First Pilgrim Calvary Missionary Baptist Church
The First Pilgrim Calvary Missionary Baptist Church was established on September 5, 2004 after two local churches – Mount Pilgrim & Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church (both of Geismar) – voted to merge their congregations together. First Pilgrim Calvary has a rich history traced back to it's two sister churches. Following their merger, FPCMBC constructed it's beautiful new edifice at the corner of Highway 73 and Francine Blvd. in Geismar, LA. The building was completed in 2007.
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The Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church was founded by the late Reverend Gradison Burnett in the year 1862. The church was located in an area of Ascension Parish called High Paray. In September 1909, there was a great storm that blew the building down. Services were held in homes until the church was rebuilt. Shortly thereafter, the church was reconstructed and services were resumed. At this time the members decided to move the church to its present site, this area was called Louisville at that time.
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Soon after the moving of the church Reverend Gradison Burnett ordained his son, Arthur Burnett to serve as pastor. Arthur was a dedicated and devoted shepherd to his flock, until November 1928 when he was called to Glory to receive a greater reward. Two months later, in January 1929, Fredrick Burnett son of Arthur, was installed as pastor. Fredrick served Mount Pilgrim until July 1939. Upon which time he was removed as pastor by the members of the church. His removal was the end result of a lengthy disagreement.
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During this period of turmoil, Pilgrim found itself without a leader. They then turned to the Second District Missionary Association. The Association designated Reverend Henderson Jackson as acting pastor, under the guidance of missionary Minister Marshall Cambre. In November 1939, Reverend Jackson was ordained as pastor. In 1940, the year following Reverend Jackson's installation, a committee was formed to establish a charter. The purpose of the charter was to seek, define and establish the property boundaries of the present site of the church.
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Reverend Jackson served as pastor for twenty-eight years. In 1962 he became ill and Reverend Albert Darville served as acting pastor.
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In 1963, the present structure was dedicated. This building stood next to the old structure that was later demolished, after fifty-three years of housing the members. In January 1968, Reverend Albert Darville was installed as pastor, he served until 1985.
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In 1979. the members of this great church decided to give the building a face lift. In 1985, Reverend Irvin Briley, Jr., was installed as pastor.
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In 1986. the entire parking lot was upgraded, surfaced with concrete. In 1994, the church interior was completely remodeled along with a newly and updated audio system. In mid 1997, Mount Pilgrim purchased its first computer to keep electronic records and other pertinent data. In 2003, a mobile home was donated to Mount Pilgrim to serve as a computer lab and education center. In 2004, Mount Pilgrim celebrated 142 years of spiritual growth and Christian service to the Geismar and surrounding areas.
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On September 5, 2004, the membership voted to unite with the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and become the First Pilgrim Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.
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MOUNT PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY.
MOUNT CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY.
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The Mt. Calvary Baptist was organized in November 19, 1888. A charter was filed on May 15, 1897 under the leadership of the late Rev. Thomas Brown as pastor. The charter was composed of ten articles by which the church would be governed. This document was received and granted on June 3, 1897.
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The pastors from the past were the late Rev. Thomas Brown, the late Rev. Owen Mix, the late Rev. Ulysses Marcell, the late Rev, Henderson Jackson, the late Rev. John Darville, the late Rev. Albert Darville.
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Rev. Dr. Irvin Briley was elected pastor in 1985. Mt. Calvary has a Deacon Board, Deaconess Board, an Usher Board, Senior Choir, Youth Department, a Home Mission Board, and a Pastor's Aide Club.
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The Mt. Calvary Baptist Church has been rebuilt four times in the same location. The church has played an important role in our community as a place for spiritual service as well as a school during the week in earlier days under the leadership of the late Bro. Butler.
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The church can be no stronger than its members. There will never be a new day in the church until there is a new humility within the people who comprise its fellowship. The Mt. Calvary Baptist is a church where the Bible is read, where the word is preached, where the saints can meet and where God's dearest SON JESUS CHRIST IS LORD AND THE RISEN ONE.
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On September 5, 2004, the membership voted to unite with the Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church and become the First Pilgrim Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.