Dr. Eugene M. Mitchell, Pastor
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Reverend Dr. Eugene M. Mitchell was born August 8, 1953 to the late Deacon Lawrence Mitchell and the late Emilina Mitchell. He is the husband of Sister Lillian Carr-Mitchell, father of Sister Shantel Mitchell-Dees and Brother Eric Riley, and father-in-law of Brother Desi Dees.
He was baptized by the late Reverend Charles Simmons at First Pilgrims on August 10, 1964. In December 1982 Reverend Mitchell acknowledged his calling to the ministry. He preached his first sermon in February 1983 and was licensed the same night by Reverend Elmo Thompson.
In 1987 Dr. Mitchell received a Bachelor of Theology Degree from the Union Baptist Theological Seminar and on August 26, 1988 was ordained by the First District Missionary Baptist Association. In
1990 he received his Masters of Theology Degree from Christian Bible College.
God has ordained Dr. Mitchell to preach the unadulterated gospel, and has crowned him with glory and honor.
In February 1991 he was elected Pastor of the First Pilgrims Baptist Church and on March 15, 1991 he was installed as Pastor by the First District Baptist Association. In 1998 Dr. Mitchell was elected to serve as the first Historian of the newly organized Cornerstone Missionary Baptist General Association, Reverend Moses S. Gordon II, President. In 1999 Dr. Mitchell earned and received his Doctorate of Theology Degree from Christian Bible College of Kenner, Louisiana.
While the Church was located at 1325 Governor Nicholls Street, Dr. Mitchell organized several ministries and classes that have proven to be effective for Spiritual growth. Among them are: Discipleship & New Member classes, an Education Board, Prenuptial Counseling, The Outreach Ministry, Brotherhood Ministry, a fully established Women’s Ministry, House Patrol (Junior Ushers), Hospitality Committee, Married Couples Ministry, Tape & Music Ministry, and the establishment of the HOPE 4 U Ministry (Helping Other People Endure) – an Alcohol & Drug Addiction Ministry.
Many accomplishments were made at the 1325 Governor Nicholls Street location, including construction of the new A. M. Lewis Fellowship Hall, renovations to include a new baptismal pool, handicap restroom, new choir and conference rooms, new pews, pulpit furniture, and new carpeting were purchased along with the renovation of the Sanctuary. A new 32 passenger bus was purchased, the mortgage balance of over $100,000 was paid off, the rear parking lot paved, and a 15 passenger van was purchased.
Jerusalem Economic Development Corporation (JEDC) a non profit 501(C)3 organization was established. The church also acquired two buildings for future development.
Our Pastor With a Right Word for the Right Season, has now led the members of First Pilgrims Baptist Church to a higher calling. Within his 24 years of service, God has directed him, through the Holy Spirit, to our new location at 1228 Arts Street. It includes a sanctuary which seats approximately 700, an official Church Administration Building, that houses the Pastor’s Office, church Administration office, Outreach, Women’s Ministry, and JEDC offices, along with a Conference Room, full service kitchen, laundry room and three restrooms. First Pilgrims has a school building with eight large classrooms, seven offices, a cafeteria and gymnasium.
Our Pastor has continued the vision while here at 1228 Arts Street. In 2007 a new 15 passenger van was purchased along with a double house that was renovated. An adjacent lot was also purchased to provide additional parking for the members.
Within his 29 years as our shepherd, many souls have been added to the church by Baptism & Christian Experience. Babies have been christened, marriages performed, and deceased members eulogized. Dr. Mitchell has ordained five preachers and licensed many ministers.
In 2007 Dr. Mitchell organized First Pilgrims Christian Academy, a private Christian School for grades Kindergarten through 5th grade, and “Pilgrims Pals Nursery and Learning Center”, a pre-school for ages 6 weeks to 4 years old.
In 2020 Dr. Mitchell continues to be focused on the mission of saving souls. Dr. Mitchell and the First Pilgrims family remains steadfast as we chart the course toward the salvation of the lost and by being a beacon of light in the community.
“Pastor Eugene M. Mitchell, “The Pastor with the Right Word for the Right Season”.