1794

James O’Kelly dissents from the Methodist Church and founds a church known simply as the Christian Church. The aim is to restore the simplicity of the original Christian community, and to oppose authoritarian church government. James O’Kelly’s denunciation of slavery attracts many African-Americans to Christian churches in the south. O’Kelly’s Chapel, where today’s Pilgrim UCC congregation worships every spring, is his home church.

1886

Soon after Durham is founded, WT Herndon is sent to organize a Christian church in Durham. A year later, the church has 40 members. By 1889, a church building on Liberty Street is completed.

1900

Many descendants of James O’Kelly and others who have been attending O'Kelly Chapel move to Durham and begin attending the Durham Christian Church. Jim Harward, a member of today's Pilgrim UCC, is a descendent of James O'Kelly, and his family also moved to Durham at that time.

1908
The Durham Christian Church moves to the corner of Gregson St. and Main St. In 1924 the name changes to Main Street Christian Church.

1931
Christian churches merge with Congregational churches. The name of our church changes to Congregational Christian Church.

1961

The congregation votes to join the United Church of Christ. The same year, the church selects a site for a new church building on Academy Road.

1964

The pastor of our church baptizes an African-American child, and after a period of discussion, the congregation votes to formally welcome integration of African-Americans in worship, Sunday School, and other congregational activities. The vote occurs a few months after Durham desegregates its restaurants, stores, movie theaters and motels, but while the city is still struggling with school desegregation.

1967

The congregation moves to its present site at 3011 Academy Road.

1971
Dot Harward and Clara Godwin are ordained as the first woman deacons at our church. (This photo was taken in 2005.)

1975
The congregation adopts the name Pilgrim United Church of Christ.

1984

Rev. Ron Johnson and other UCC pastors visit Germany and begin planning shared worship among African-American and white UCC congregations in Durham. This is the beginning of the Exchange Program at Pilgrim, Zion Temple and Mt. Calvary UCC.

1999

Pilgrim adopts a Welcoming Statement and becomes an Open and Affirming congregation

2000

Jane Neufang from Germany’s EKU becomes the first international pastor to serve on Pilgrim’s staff for a year.

2001

Marion Stanley is ordained as the first African-American deacon at Pilgrim.