AL HR294

Morning Pilgrim Baptist Church was officially established on Sunday, March 19, 1900, under the guidance of Reverend T.W. Walker, Reverend Wilhite, and Reverend Father Jackson, with Reverend L.V. Elderson as its first pastor.

The church added 150 members within its first 10 days through a revival and raised $165 for the down payment on property at 23rd Street and Alley C (Third Alley) South.

The church transitioned in 1916 to 23rd Street Baptist Church #2 and rebuilt at a cost of $40,000 after suffering a devastating fire during Reverend C.S. Reddick's tenure.

Under Reverend P. Banneker Hatcherson's leadership, the church eliminated a $150,000 debt, expanded membership and finances, pioneered new ministries, and added the V.I.P. Annex with offices, fellowship hall, library, and community clothing and food share programs.

The Alabama House of Representatives highly commends the Twenty-Third Street Missionary Baptist Church for its 125-year legacy, continuous community contributions, and commitment to faith-based service.