Churches:  Pilgrim's Rest Baptist Church, Sabine Parish
Source:  Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church Revised Church History 1998, Dec 5, 2000
Submitted by: Tommie McComic
              tbcmac@cp-tel.net




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  Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church Revised Church History 1998.

  The country church appropriately named Pilgrims Rest, is nestled
in a semi-wooded area of Sabine Parish just off highway 6, west
of Many. This highway has been called the Mexico Road, Neutral
Strip, and the El Camino Real. It served as the main vein of
travel from Mexico through San Antonio, Texas, on to
Natchitoches, Louisiana until 1846; the end of the Mexican War.
For years this route was dangerous due to robbers and thieves,
but because of many persons willing to face the negative forces,
this was made a peaceful place and settlements began to spring
up. This is how Pilgrims Rest began.

  The present location of the Church was for many years a favorite
stopping place for travelers. Fresh water was the major factor,
thus the name Pilgrims Rest was deemed an appropriate title for
this peaceful refuge. For over one hundred years this place had
been a front street to civilization. It was the main artery of
the east/west commerce travel. It also became the major
stagecoach stop and a mail transfer station. The stagecoach stop
was owned by Needham William Alford; a descendent of the oldest
charter church member, the late Maggie Alford Roberts.

  During the time of the stagecoach days, a lonely traveler died
while at Pilgrims Rest and a cemetery was started and named
Pilgrims Rest Cemetery. On November 21, 1858 land was donated for
a church site by G.B. and Elizabeth Watkins. The church was built
of logs and was named The Methodist Episcopal Church. The church
business was handled by a man named Benjamin Houghton. For twenty
years he was in good standing with the church but became
distraught and branched from the church. Soon after he died and
all records of the church were never found.

  At this time a new one room church was built and named Pilgrims
Rest Methodist Church. This was during the year of 1900 and
services were held only once a month. Sam Holiday was the first
pastor followed by Rev. Bonne, Rev. Baily, and Rev. Harper. In
1910 the church was also being used as a school that operated
only five months a year. In 1920, the church was tom down. This
left the small settlement without a church until 1968.

  In November, a group of Christian people came together in the
name of God and started Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church. Early
services were held outside until a building could be erected.
Land was purchased that adjoined the old cemetery. Construction
began and much sacrificial labor and prayers were given in the
name of God. Furnishings were purchased in July 1969 and the
first sermon was held in the newly erected educational building.
Rev. Wilton Anthony brought the service. Many ministers were sent
by God to assist in pastorships on interim and permanent bases.
Some were: J.D. Scott, C.N. Travis, and Hoy Leach. ~ Revised by:
Carla Jones 'July 1998)