

About us
"Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Psalm 127:1
Pilgrim Rest Free Will Baptist Church was founded in the year of our Lord 1929 the church evolved out of a great controversy with St. Luke Free Will Baptist Church which eventually resulted in members being locked out of their church home under law enforcement. Following resolution of the matter, some of the members were restored to membership through regulation. Lost to history is the number and names of members restored to membership The members who did not enjoy the privilege of restoration began conducting services on the second floor of two story dwelling home of which the frontage was on Kettles Avenue facing the original white frame structure
or our present Kitchen, Food Bank and Clothes Closet. Within a brief period of time, the church succeeded in getting the Rev. C.J. Dozier, a Georgian by birth, to conduct a revival. A the hand of God moved, many members were continuously being added to this congregation. Following the first revival, the Rev. Dozier conducted a second
revival and more members were added to the flock. The church continued to increase in numbers, thus outgrowing the present place of worship. They were blessed with a larger place of worship which was the Masonic Hall located on Virginia Avenue.
First Pastor: Rev. C.J. Dozier - 1931 - 1937
Rev. C.J. Dozier was called to pastor this flock and the church was organized under his leadership. It was motioned by the Rev. Sister Julia Hogan and seconded by Deacon J.T. Tarver that the church be named Pilgrim Rest.
Second Pastor: Rev. Y.W. Tomlin - 1938-1958
Original Church Remodeled:
The Rev. Y.W. Tomlin was called to pastor in the fall of 1938 and served for a period of twenty years from 1938-1958. During this period, the church was remodeled in 1944 from a wood frame to a stone frame. Under the leadership and powerful preaching of Rev. Y.W. Tomlin, combined with the music of the choir and prayers of the saints, the Lord added daily to the church as should be saved. The membership continued to grow and stabilize as Pilgrim Rest moved forward together with Christ. During the later part of November, 1958, a controversy between the pastor and membership relating to conference membership, climaxing in the congregation being left without a pastor for a brief period.
Third Pastor: Bishop D.L. Bright
Second Church
Bishop D.L. Bright was called to pastor Pilgrim Rest Free Will Baptist Church January, 1959 and served for a period of thirty years, retiring November, 1989. It was in the span of these thirty years the membership became aware of the need for many improvements in the system of the church. With the help of the Lord and dedicated
member, the following was accomplished:
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January 25, 1971: Obtained a Certificate of Incorporation through the diligent work of James McCormick, Jr. Hereafter, the church will be known as Pilgrim Rest Free Will Baptist Church, Inc. The original officers shall be as follows:
George Davis, President
James McCormick, Sr. Vice President
Benjamin Keith, Treasurer
Earline Willis, Secretary
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May 17, 1971 Construction of present edifice. Cost: $118,000
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March 1, 1972 First payment due
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March 19, 1972 Dedication Service (Sunday at 3:00 p.m.)
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September 18, 1978 Mortgage liquidated. Paid in full. As the first edifice, the second edifice was paid for in six years.
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September 20, 1978 Stamped and sent to be recorded. Members who signed the note:
George Davis, James McCormick, Sr., Benjamin Keith, Mann Allen,
James O. Harris, Amos Williams, Amos Williams.
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Named engraved on the cornerstone to remain forever:
Deacon J. Roberts - Chairman of Deacon Board, Deacon J.T. Perry, Deacon C. Hogan,
Deacon James McCormick, Sr., Deacon Benjamin Keith, Deacon George Davis - Chair-
man of Trustee Board, Deacon Mann Allen, Deacon Amos Williams, Deacon J. Garvin, Deacon H. Knight, Mother Earline Willis.
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June 26, 1978 Plans for a new Parsonage
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August, 1982 Revamping the kitchen.
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November, 1983 Purchased two fifteen passenger vans, cost $24,692.64
God blessed Pilgrim Rest with the following increases: Choirs, Ushers Boards, and increased the Pastoral Ministry.
Bishop D.L. Bright Ministry at Pilgrim Rest closes: It was in the Quarterly Conference held on December 1, 1989 that the ministry of Bishop D.L. Bright as pastor of Pilgrim Rest Free Will Baptist Church, Inc. came to an end after thirty years of service. To date, Bishop D.L. Bright holds the honor of the longest pastorate of Pilgrim Rest Free
Will Baptist Church, Inc.
Fourth Pastor: Elder Robert Lee Price
One January 19, 1990, Elder Robert Lee Price was elected as pastor of Pilgrim Rest Free Will Church, Inc. He began his tenure on the first Sunday, February 4, 1990. As a result of Elder Price’s ability and the power of his personality to encourage members to come together and work as a unit. The following is credited to his leadership:
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Organized a New Member Orientation Program
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Organized a Sick Committee
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Organized a Hospitality Committee
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Purchased Climate Control Heating and Cooling Unit
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Security Doors and Windows on the church property
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Landscaping of church property
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Painting the interior of the sanctuary
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New carpeting and roof for the sanctuary
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Piano refurbishing
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New floor for the kitchen
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Called to the Ministry: Reginald Jenkins
Elder Price was not able to complete the last three items because of failing health. One of his last request was that this work be completed.
A Sad Day for Pilgrim Rest
Elder Price provided for Pilgrim Rest Free Will Baptist Church, Inc. under the direction of the Holy Spirit a brief 33 months 19 days, but successful ministry until the failing of his health. God called him from labor to reward on November 24, 1992. Once again Pilgrim Rest was left without a pastor for a brief period. This was a sad day in the history of Pilgrim Rest Free Will Baptist Church, Inc.
Fifth Pastor: Elder G. Wayne Thompson
Elder G. Wayne Thompson was called to pastor Pilgrim Rest Free Will Baptist Church, Inc. February, 1993. His tenure began on a fourth Sunday, February 28, 1993. Under the leadership of Elder G. Wayne Thompson, following was accomplished:
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The approved unfinished program of Elder Price was completed: New carpeting and roof for the sanctuary, painting of the interior of the sanctuary, piano refurbishing, new floor in the kitchen.
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Conversion of room into nursery
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November, 1993 Purchase office equipment
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Purchase security system
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Called to the Ministry: Kenneth Brown, Barbara Riley and Roosevelt Smith.
The tenure of Elder G. Wayne Thompson lasted but a brief 22 months and ended in December, 1994. The church was without a pastor for a period of eight months.
December 2, 1994
The Pastoral Search committee began its work by first acknowledging responsibility to God for the work they were embarking upon, and the moved from principles to action. The committee made every effort through prayer and fasting, letting their request be known to God, to conduct a pastoral search that was pleasing in His sight. The Search Committee began its work in January, 1995. The committee work consisted of the following process: Mission Statement, Vision Statement, Voting Process, Declaration of Pastor, Orientation, Installation, Screening and Selection Process.
The Search Committee consisted of the following members:
Deacon Bernard Harris - Chairman
Deacon David Baker
Deacon Bennie Branton
Mother Annie Davis
Deacon Manford Hymes
Sister Mae J. McCormick
Deacon Columbus Palmore
Deacon Melvin Risher
Six Pastor: Elder Wilbert Randall
On a third Sunday, May 21, 1995, Elder Wilbert Randall announced acceptance to pastor Pilgrim Rest Free Will Baptist Church, Inc. congregation at the close of the 11:00 a.m. service. The congregation received him with standing ovation. Text: St. Luke 17:15-16; Subject: "Remembering to Give Thanks." His tenure began on a Tuesday, August 29, 1995. A pastoral orientation was conducted on Sunday, September 2, 1995, 8:15 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. The Installation ceremony was held on Sunday, September 24, 1995 at 3:30 p.m.
With the help of the Lord and dedicated members the following was accomplished
under Elder Randall’s leadership.
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September, 1995 Changed Friday Morning Bible Study to Thursday Morning
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October 16, 1995 Establish Brotherhood
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November, 1995 Youth Church and Youth Minister
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December 2, 1995 Nurse Ministry founded by Sister Mae J. McCormick.
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June, 1996 The Clothes Closet Ministry, founded by Mother Earline Willis.
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August 1996 Public Relations Ministry
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October, 1996 New Member Orientation
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November, 1996 Appointment of an Assistant
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March, 1997 Narcotics Anonymous
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July, 1997 Tutorial Service
Reorganization:
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Thursday night Bible Study alternating with Prayer Meeting.
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September, 1995 Shepherd Care Ministry
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November, 1995 Missions
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January, 1996 Began 8:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Service
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November, 1996 Choir and Usher Ministries
The tenure of Elder Wilbert Randall extended a period of six years from August, 1995 until August, 2001. Another controversy arose in the church and the congregation was without a pastor for a period of three months.
Seventh Pastor: Bishop Henry J. Rodmon
Bishop Henry J. Rodmon began his tenure as Pastor of Pilgrim Rest Free Will Baptist Church, Inc. on fourth Sunday, November 25, 2001. The Installation Service was conducted on second Sunday, January 13, 2002. With the help of the Lord and dedicated members, the following accomplishments are as follows:
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November 30, 2001 Reestablished the Mission Society
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March 1, 2002 Appointment of By-Laws Committee with Sister Carolyn Green as Chairperson. Purchase Property, Lot 3 of John F Cox Realty Subdivision, Cost $7,000. Lot 1, Lot 3 and 3/4 of Lot 2 of the Fortuna’s Addition Cost $ 22,324.19.
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Reorganized Usher Board from one to two (Adult an Youth).
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Organized Male Chorus.
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Called to the Ministry: Jeffery Clay, Diane Hicks, Manford Hymes.
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Appointment of a Building Committee:
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Frank Coleman, Project Manager
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Leon McDougal, Chairman
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Carolyn Green, Eva Laneair, Bessie Melton, Annie B. Phyall, Joyce Riley, Eddie Tyson
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July 22, 2003 Contract dated with NuJak Development, Inc. The terms of the contract and by reference , the provisions in the other documents specifically listed are:
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Plans by Platinum Designs and Ronald Z. Kurokski Architects dated May 20, 2003
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Specification Sheet dated July 22, 2003
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Civil Drawings by R. C. Land Engineering dated January 13, 2003
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Estimated date August 01, 2003
The Builder agrees to furnish materials and labor in accordance with provisions of the contract for four hundred thirty six thousand, two hundred fourteen dollars and no cents ($436,214). The square footage of the Life Center is 4859 sq. ft.
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February 15, 2004 Appointment of a Church Historian (Sister Mae J. McCormick)
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February, 2004 A combination of new construction and remodeling of the old Fellowship Hall
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February, 2004 New Fellowship Hall named by the Trustee’s Ministry for
Bishop Henry J. Rodmon shall hereafter be called the "Pilgrim Rest Free Will Baptist Church, Inc. Dr. Henry J.
Rodmon Life Center."
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May 30, 2004 Laying of the Cornerstone; Sunday, May 30, 2004 following the 11:00 a.m. service, the "Laying of the Cornerstone" for the Dr. Henry J. Rodmon Life Center was conducted. The Cornerstone was laid by the M.W.U.G.L. of FL.-PHA, Lakeland, Lodge #52.
Names appearing on the cornerstone are as follows and shall remain forever:
Senior Pastor Dr. Henry J. Rodmon
First Lady Mother Hazel Rodmon
Associate Minister Jeffery Clay, Diane Hicks, Manford Hymes
Deacon Bernard Harris, Chairperson, David Baker (Trustee), Bennie
Branton, Frank Coleman, (Trustee Chairperson), Willis Earl
Sims, Melvin Risher (Trustee), Grady Shaw, Robert Smith.
Mothers Annie B. Davis (Chairperson), Elizabeth Branton, Sandra
Branton, Regina Clay, Gwendolyn Coleman, Lula Hodge,
Mary Horne (Reporter), Willie M. Jacobs, Bessie Melton,
Frances Calhoun (Honorary), Pernilla Perkins, Carrie Risher,
Loretta Sims, Mary Shaw, Hazel Rodmon, Earline Wills,
Luella Williams, Neuretha Smith
Administrative Assistant Myra J. Bryant
A Sad Day for Pilgrim Rest
Bishop Henry J. Rodmon provided for the Pilgrim Rest congregation ten years, five months and seven days of leadership until the Lord called him from labor to reward on May 1, 2012. the congregation was again without a pastor for a period of four months and sixteen days.
A Pastoral Search was formed consisting of the following: The Deacons, one Mother and one Minister. Bernard Harris, Chairman, Bennie Branton, David Baker, Frank Coleman, Ronald Rodmon, Willie Sims, Pernilla Perkins, Felicia Sanders.
Eighth Pastor: Bishop Kenneth Brown
Bishop Kenneth Brown began his tenure as pastor of Pilgrim Rest Free Will Baptist Church, Inc. on a third Sunday, September 16, 2012. The Installation Service was held on Sunday, October 28, 2012: Theme: "A Son Returns Home." The pastor was escorted by Deacon Bernard Harris, chairman of the Deacon’s Board and Lady
Anner Brown was escorted by Mother Bessie Melton, chairperson of the Mother’s Board. With the help of the Lord and dedicated members the following has been accomplished to this present date:
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New Members Orientation (New Member Book written by Bishop Kenneth Brown)
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"The Crown" Newsletter, founded and named by Lady Anner Brown Logistics Committee
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Reestablishing Prayer and Bible Study
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Young People Christian League (YPCL)
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Sunday School Teachers Educational Meeting
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Additional Choir: Voices of Praise
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Renaming Choir #1 to Inspiration Choir
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By Laws
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Amended th Articles of Incorpation
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Lady Brown Ladies Brunch founded by Lady Anner Brown
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The Brotherhood Prayer Breakfast
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Implemented Corporate Prayer and Mid-Week Prayer Service
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Haiti Relief Mission
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Back to School Drive (Backpack fully stocked with school supplies)
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"Word of God" Radio Ministry
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Van Outreach Ministry
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Reactivated the Condolence Committee
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Sick Committee (Bishop Kenneth Brown designed the Get Well Card)
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Added New Sound System in Life Center
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Replaced Church Mixer in sound room
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Seniors in Action founded by Mother Bessie Melton
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Called, set aside and ordained on Brother to the Deacon Board, Deacon Roger Jennings
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Set aside and appointed one Sister to the Mother Board, Mother Mary F. Jennings and Mother Belinda Greer
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Church Website
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Reactivated the Sunday School Church Picnic
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Pastoral Care Committee
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Mental Health and Wellness Fair
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Praise Team
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The PR Facebook page
We are only pilgrims that have been on a journey from one to ninety-two years that will never end because God’s love for us will never end. Over ninety-two years we have seen hard and good times as we journeyed on by faith. It is an honor to give God the glory for the great things He has done, but most of all for the greatest gift of all: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16 AMEN
mission statement
Pilgrim Rest Free Will Baptist Church, Inc. is a Christ centered, Biblically based, Spiritually led church, that meets the needs of the total person by;
Exalting the Savior
Evangelizing the Sinner
Equipping the Saved
Edifying the Saints and
Encouraging every soul
through administrative excellence by the power of the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus Our Lord.
vision statement
The emphasis of our ministry is: to see consistent spiritual growth in our people by the effective preaching and teaching of God’s Word; to promote Love and fellowship through personal example; and to offer area of service through multiple ministries.
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Inspire Believers to achieve excellence in every aspect of their lives.
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Evangelize to the lost and hurting with the message of Faith in Jesus Christ.
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Empower the Believer to fulfill purpose through Biblical principles of success by being Effective, Efficient, and possessing a Spirit of Excellence.
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Inspire Believers to achieve excellence and maximize in every aspect of their lives, ministry and careers to fulfill their potential.
OUr Pastor

Bishop
Kenneth R. Brown, M.Th.
Bishop K.R. Brown is a product of Lakeland, Florida born to the late Mrs. Eloise Morris. He was educated in the Polk County Schools System and is a graduate of Kathleen High School. Bishop Brown furthered his education at the United Bible College & Theological Seminary earning an Associate Degree, Bachelor of Theology, and Master of Theology Degree respectively. In addition, he has obtained numerous certifications from the United American Freewill Baptist Church, Inc. D.L. Bright Institute.
The fine Christian character obtained by Bishop Brown in his youth can be seen today in his modest, consistent Christian life that is demonstrated in the wonderful and helpful manner in which he displays. His wide ranging experience include Assistant Pastor of the Pilgrim Rest Freewill Baptist Church, where he also served as Associate Minister, Deacon, Chairman of Trustees, Sunday School Teacher, President of Ushers Board, and an active choir member. This wide range of experiences allowed God to enlarge Bishop’s territory in November 1997, the year Bishop Brown was ordained and installed as the Pastor of the Mt. Pilgrim Freewill Baptist Church of Brooksville, FL.
For fifteen years he served and proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Under his leadership Mt. Pilgrim experienced growth numerically, financially, and spiritually. As he served his congregation the Lord continued to propel Pastor Brown into yet another level of ministry. June 29, 2006, Pastor Brown was consecrated to the sacred office of Bishop in the United American Freewill Baptist Church, Inc.
Kingdom building has always been his main interest and he is totally involved locally and nationally as a dynamic man of vision, leadership, integrity, and compassion. To date Bishop Brown has and is serving as Financial Secretary of the National Convention of Freewill Baptists, U.S.A., Past Financial Secretary of the United American Freewill Baptist Conference, Inc., Past President of South Florida (A) District Union #2, Past Chairman of the Board of Bishops of the South Florida (A) Annual Conference, Past President of the Y.P.C.L., Treasurer of the Sunday School Convention, 2nd Vice Annual Bishop of the South Florida (A) Annual Conference and 1st Vice General Bishop of United American Freewill Baptist Church, Inc. He is a member of the Interdenominational Ministers Alliance, Inc. of Lakeland, FL (IMA).
As the Lord remains sovereign, He continues to blow and breathe on the ministry of Bishop Brown. In the favor of our God, he has excelled to yet another level of ministry as he now serves as the General Bishop of the of United American Freewill Baptist Conference, eighth in succession.
Bishop Kenneth Brown and Lady Anner Brown are the proud parents of four children also, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This couple also serves as surrogate parents to many other children in both their church and community.
As a pastor, he possesses gifts that only God can bestow upon an individual. God continues to use Bishop Brown to do incredible things through his service to mankind. He is a man with a vision, strict to business, faithful to duty and continues to affect the community through this spiritual journey, while changing the hearts of people. His consistency in kingdom building has propelled him into another assignment as he now serves as the eighth succeeding Pastor of the Pilgrim Rest Freewill Baptist Church, Inc., of Lakeland, Florida.
He is resolutely committed to outreach, by proving programs and resources to the less fortunate. He believes the Great Commission of the Church is to go and make disciples of every man. His vision incorporates his belief that for the 21st-century church to be successful we must incorporate evangelism discipleship and church planting as integral priorities in our ministry strategies and it is the church that has the awesome responsibility of transforming sinners into saints, the helpless into the helpful and believers into Christians.
Bishop Brown has genuine and distinct passion for teaching, and serving the people of God. His thriving ministry has a practical Word that connects with an ever-changing generation. He is a man with a heart for God and God’s people.
Bishop Brown’s Motto: No Cross No Crown…. The Cross represents Salvation being Free to All; The Crown represents The Royal Priesthood.