New Pilgrim Baptist Church, 6196 S. Redwood Road, celebrated its 83rd anniversary on Oct. 23.
Pilgrim Baptist Church was founded in 1922 by a group of 15. The first church building was purchased in 1923 and W.J. Brandon became the first pastor of the church. Under his leadership, the membership grew to more than 50.
On March 8, 1998, Corey J. Hodges became the 23rd pastor of NPBC. At age 28, he was the youngest pastor to lead the congregation. In 2003, he unveiled "Vision 2010," a seven-year plan to build a multilevel dome-shaped church that is set to begin construction in 2010.
New Pilgrim Baptist Church is a Multicultural Christian Fellowship with an African-American history. NPBC is affiliated with both the National Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention.