PILGRIM CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Experience God's Love
Join OUR welcoming CHURCH COMMUNITY IN St Louis, MO
Be part of our meaningful worship experience
every Sunday at 10:30 AM.
LUKE 10:27
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
This verse encourages us to reflect God’s immense love by fostering kindness and compassion in our relationships with all of God's children.
THE CHURCH WHERE
FAITH GROWS
We welcome all seekers on their spiritual journey at our church, a community of faith where minds are open and hearts are free. Rooted in justice, love, and compassion, we aim to fuse your faith with everyday living. Our doors are open to all, regardless of background, as we journey together to find meaning and purpose. Here, faith is more than a Sunday ritual; it’s a life-transforming experience that inspires action. Come, be a part of our family where faith feels like home.
WHO WE ARE
Pilgrim Church joyfully welcomes and equally affirms persons of every race, ethnic origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, economic or educational status, and family configuration, into the full life and ministry of Pilgrim Church.
Pilgrim partners with many community organizations to demonstrate God’s love and compassion for our neighbors. We provide office and meeting space for organizations that align with our mission including Academy Sherman Park Neighborhood Association, LiveAholics (afterschool meals for area youth), Community of Hope (teen mothers support), and Moms Demand Action (common-sense gun legislation), etc.
We regularly worship with several area churches, including Union Ave Christian (Disciples of Christ), St. John’s Church (The Beloved Community), Christ the King UCC, and Centennial Christian (Disciples of Christ).
Pilgrim Church is a member of the St. Louis Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ. Pilgrim members are active in the boards and committees of the Association and the Conference. Pilgrim is proud to have served a role in the merger between the Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church forming the United Church of Christ in 1957.
MISSION STATEMENT
To live God's call to love our neighbors as ourselves
OUR COMMITMENT TO WELCOME AND AFFIRM
Pilgrim Church is committed to joyfully welcoming and equally affirming persons of every race, ethnic origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, economic or educational status and family configuration into the full life and ministry of Pilgrim Church.
Give
Donations and members’ pledge payments make it possible to sustain Pilgrim’s ministries. You can make a one-time or recurring donation to the church electronically using the PayPal app to send to pilgrimucc.stl@gmail.com
OR you can scan the QR Code below
Checks can also be sent to the church address at:
826 Union Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108
OR to our Post Office Box #23332 - St. Louis, MO 63156.
PRAYER: STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY
We welcome all seekers on their spiritual journey at our church, a sanctuary where minds are open and hearts are free. Rooted in solidarity and compassion, we aim to fuse your faith with everyday living. Our doors are open to all, regardless of background, as we journey together to find meaning and purpose. Here, faith is more than a Sunday ritual; it’s a life-transforming experience that inspires action. Come, be a part of our family where faith feels like home.
TOGETHER,
WE ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Our commitment to social justice is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in standing up for what is right and promoting fairness and equality in our community and beyond. Actively engaging with key social issues, we aim to be a force for change, ensuring Christ’s message of compassion is heard and heeded. Together, we can build a world that reflects God's love for all. Join us in our social justice efforts and make an impact that echoes through generations.
DIVERSITY
Pilgrim Congregational UCC is a church where inclusivity and service blend seamlessly. Located one block north of Delmar on Union Boulevard in St Louis, MO, our congregation embraces individuals from all backgrounds, celebrating diversity and nurturing spiritual journeys for everyone. We strive to embody Christ’s message of compassion, which is reflected in our active participation in community partnership. Our church is a welcoming sanctuary for seekers, offering a space where theological reflection and spiritual growth go hand-in-hand. With a strong commitment to social justice and racial equality, Pilgrim Congregational UCC fosters a safe environment for LGBTQ individuals and people of all races. Experience the warmth and openness of Pilgrim Congregational UCC by visiting us during our next worship service or community event.
HOSPITALITY
We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive church. Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ is committed to joyfully welcoming and equally affirming persons of every race, ethnic origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, economic or educational status, and family configuration into the full life and ministry of our church. We value authentic relationships and the chance to learn from one another as we pursue our faith journeys together. Celebrate diversity and inclusivity with us by joining a service or participating in one of our community gatherings. We look forward to welcoming you.
AN INCLUSIVE CHURCH THAT WELCOMES YOU
We are proud to be an inclusive church that welcomes everyone with open arms. Our community embraces you just as you are, celebrating each person's uniqueness as a cherished gift. Whether you have deep-rooted beliefs or unanswered questions, our church is a safe haven where your journey is honored. Together, let us explore the richness of diversity and the beauty of unity in our shared spiritual quest. Find your place among us and experience inclusion in its truest form.
Advocating Racial Equality With Courage
We envision a world where racial equality is not merely a dream but a reality. At our church, we strive to dismantle racial barriers by fostering understanding and unity. Our activities and initiatives are driven by the unwavering belief that every race should be celebrated and embraced. We call on you to join our mission, advocating for a society that values diversity and inclusion over division. Stand with us as we work toward a future of genuine racial harmony.
OFFERING AN LGBTQ-Friendly CHURCH Community
Our church is a proud ally of the LGBTQ community, a place where love knows no boundaries. We believe in honoring each person's identity, offering a welcoming and affirming space for all. By celebrating diversity and nurturing inclusivity, we embody the true spirit of Christ’s love. Here, all are invited to participate fully in the life of our church, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Be part of a community where love transcends labels and everyone belongs.
Community Partnerships
Recognizing the need to adapt to the changing environment for churches and church buildings, in 2015 Pilgrim entered the New Beginnings process developed by Hope Partnership for Missional Transformation to discern our path forward. After congregational discussions, reflections, and community research, Pilgrim voted in January 2017 to adopt a new mission statement: to live God’s call to love our neighbors as ourselves. We redefined some of our ministries and began to be known as a community hub.
Since 2017, Pilgrim has offered space to many churches, non-profit groups and community organizations including but not limited to the Junior Urban Music Program (JUMP) of the Orchestrating Diversity Urban Youth Orchestra, Freedom Arts Afterschool/Summer program, Academy Sherman Park Neighborhood Association, St. Louis City chapter of Moms Demand Action for Everyday Gun Sense in America, Community of Hope STL, the 5200 Kensington Block Unit, an area bridge group, a dance company for teens, Tai Chi classes, etc.
To help support small business owners, we have operated a kitchen commissary since 2020. Many entrepreneurs have used our kitchen as a way to establish their businesses. Once they have developed a clientele and raised enough capital they move on from Pilgrim and we open our doors to another fledgling business…..Alibi Cookies, Taco Drip STL, Tropical Pot Food Truck, Black Pearl’s Soul Food, JuiceMasters, The Dangling Carrot, and many others are current or former beneficiaries of our commissary.
Our beautiful sanctuary and chapel are often used by community groups for plays, concerts, weddings, etc.
Romans 8:38-39
"Nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God."
This powerful truth assures us that no circumstances or challenges can diminish God's unwavering love for us.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to some of our common inquiries. Please reach out if you require assistance.
CONTACT US
Have questions or want to schedule a visit? Fill out the form, and we'll be in touch.
Contact us!
Physical Address:
Pilgrim Congregational Church United Church of Christ
826 Union Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108 (map)
Post Office Box Address:
Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ
P.O. Box 23332
St Louis, MO 63156
Office Hours:
Our regular office hours are 8:30-4 pm Monday thru Thursday
Please contact us via phone or email.
Weekly Worship Service:
Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in our sanctuary and via Zoom
Please contact us to join via Zoom
Email Address:
pilgrim826@sbcglobal.net
Telephone:
(314) 367-8173
History
Pilgrim Congregational Church was formally organized on December 5, 1866, an outgrowth of Pilgrim Sabbath School, which had been established in 1853 by a Congregational minister and led by a layman for nearly 14 years. A minister from Cleveland, Ohio, was called to lead the new congregation. Construction commenced on a church building near downtown St. Louis.
At the beginning of the 20th Century, having grown to 1,721 members, Pilgrim decided to move west, along with the growing population of the city. The current church structure with a seating capacity of 1,200 was begun in 1906 and completed in 1907.
The Rev. Truman B. Douglass, who served as Pilgrim’s minister from 1935 to 1943, initiated conversations that ultimately led to the creation of the United Church of Christ. He extended an invitation to the Rev. Dr. S.D. Press, head of Eden Seminary, an Evangelical and Reformed Church seminary in Webster Groves, Mo., to participate with a group of young ministers exploring “Christian Unity.” This small group initiated the merger of the Congregational Christian and Evangelical and Reformed churches.
Through the years, the church building was improved and expanded with various new and improved facilities, the 150-seat Danforth chapel, and the addition of a 78-rank four-manual organ in the main church sanctuary.
In 1953, as St. Louis’ population continued to migrate westward and the neighborhood around the church changed, there was heated debate within the congregation about moving to the western suburbs. In a close vote, a majority of the members chose to remain in the current location and open the church’s doors to all who desired to worship, without regard to race or economic status.
The first African-American members joined in 1955. The church has continued to be a multi-racial faith community, with a roughly equal balance of black and white members for the past 70 years. In 2006, Pilgrim voted to become an Open and Affirming Church (ONA) within the UCC, welcoming persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions into the church’s full life and ministry.
Pilgrim hosted a weekly soup kitchen from 1982-2020. Volunteers served more than 100,000 hot meals in its’ 37 years of operation, along with providing reading materials, blankets, and personalized holiday cards for our guests. When Dignity House, the UCC’s Neighborhood House located next door to Pilgrim, closed in 2010, Pilgrim stepped in to offer emergency food pantry services. Our Food Pantry (which also offered a limited supply of clothing and a small lending library) was open twice per month until we had to close these services due to the pandemic. Some financial resources were reallocated to Centennial Christian Church to continue serving persons experiencing food insecurity in our area.
STAFF
Rev. Kevin D. Anthony, M.Div., Pastor
Ron Gaus, Facility Manager,
Valerie L. Winslow Office Manager
Church office phone: (314) 367-8173
