Pilgrim Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church is a brick building on Central Avenue in Saint Paul with Romanesque features and three entrance doors. The windows display religious symbols and historical figures of the congregation, while a historical marker stands near the main entrance.

The congregation was founded in 1863 by Reverend Robert Hickman with escaped slaves from Missouri who traveled north. They journeyed on the riverboat War Eagle along the Mississippi, establishing the first Black Baptist congregation in Minnesota.

The church served as a gathering place for major African American organizations during the 20th century, including the NAACP and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Visitors can sense the spirit of community that assembled here to advocate for rights and justice.

The building stands at 732 Central Avenue West and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors should allow time to observe the window details and architecture both inside and out at a relaxed pace.

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, marking an important milestone in recognizing Black history in Minnesota. This recognition highlighted its role as a refuge for a growing African American community in the region.

Location: Saint Paul

Founders: Robert Hickman

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

GPS coordinates: 44.95278,-93.13111

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:41