On August 1, 1893, the Pilgrim Congregational Church – Richmond Hill, NY was organized in what was then known as Brooklyn Hills at the home of BJ Van Cott where a small group met regularly for divine worship. These men and women, seeking to be faithful to the Lord, erected the present church structure in 1905. The church continues to serve its congregation, the Richmond Hill community and its surrounding areas 121 years later. All these years Pilgrim remained steadfast and faithful as she confronted various challenges along the way. It is worth noting that the Richmond Hill community changed significantly as the demographics of Queens County becomes more diverse. In 2009 a major development happened when two other congregations decided to worship together on Sundays with Pilgrim Congregational Church. The Union Congregational Church and The Filipino-American United Church of Christ agreed to share ministry each contributing resources for mission while maintaining distinct identities as congregations. The Fil-Am UCC as they were called was a congregation born out of the Bible Study and Prayer Group in 1991 in Manhattan attended mostly by Filipinos who were members of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. In 1992, the Metropolitan Association of the New York Conference recognized them as one of the Local Churches of the Association. They nested in several church buildings until February 1994 when they moved to Union Congregational Church until Union decided to decommission their church building in November 2, 2008. On December 15, 2013, The Filipino-American United Church of Christ, in a congregational meeting, voted to join Pilgrim Congregational Church. The transition was set up until June 28, 2014 when The Metro Association officially recognized the new Pilgrim Congregational Church installed The Rev. Cedino as Pastor and Teacher both of Pilgrim Congregational Church and The Union Congregational Church. The newly elected members of the Board of Deacons, The Board of Trustees, Chairpersons of the different Committees and other members of the Church Council were also installed during the celebration. With God’s guidance and grace together with the commitment and dedication of members, Pilgrim looks forward to more fruitful years of ministry for God’s greater glory. We are an Open and Affirming church worshiping in the tradition of the United Church of Christ. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!
