Welcome to our Front Door

Once upon a time, not so many years ago, everyone knew where to find a church's front door.  The front door faced the street, and one needed to climb imposing, concrete steps to get in.  Members of the congregation knew there was an easier access to the building--usually a smaller door, off to the side or close to the parking lot.  The large front doors were used on special occasions--like weddings or funerals.  On more routine Sundays or during the week, most everyone used the smaller doors.

This isn't just a phenomena in the history of Pilgrim Congregational Church.  It's the story of many, many church edifices built in the late 1800's and early to mid 1900's.

Today's culture has moved the front door away from the building and onto the internet.  For most visitors and guests, the "front door" is the church's website.  It's a point of entry for those curious about a congregation's life and practice.  The physical building is more like the old side door--the entry into the life of the gathered community.

If you are exploring our website, welcome!  I hope you'll find something that intrigues you.  If you like what you see here, check our Facebook page for more immediate news of events and happenings. Explore us in person at 2310 E. 4th Street, Duluth, MN.  We gather every Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Almost nothing we do is limited to members.  You are welcome to help us cook at Damiano Center, go along on a service learning trip to Guatemala, help move families from CHUM's transitional apartments into permanent housing, discuss books with our Women's Book Club or play on our softball team during the summer.

Our building is an imposing brick structure that could resemble a fortress--but our community's boundaries are permeable.

Whoever you are, and wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!

25th Anniversary Organ Recital and Service

During the weekend of September 19-21, Pilgrim Congregational Church in Duluth will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its locally built, world renowned Jaeckel organ.

On Friday evening, at 7:00, Dr. Jesse Eschbach will play a recital of varied works.  Dr. Eschbach teaches at the College of Music, University of North Texas and was a consultant to Pilgrim Church when the organ was designed and built.  The recital will include works by Buxtehude, Bach, Couperin, Harlos, Alain, and Dupre.  Tickets are $10 and available at the door.

On Sunday morning, at 10:00, Dr. Arthur Clyde, former United Church of Christ National Minister for Liturgics, Music and Art will lead worship.  The service will include hymns and organ music, a demonstration of organ pipes, and sung Scripture.  Clyde's sermon is entitled, "A Voice Through the Ages."

Additional events during the weekend include an organ master class taught by Eschbach at 10:00 on Saturday morning and an adult education hour in the organ loft on Sunday at 11:30.  The adult education hour will include demonstrations of the organ by Ms. Rachael Kresha, Pilgrim's current Director of Music and Organist.

Pilgrim's Jaeckel organ has been featured on Pipedreams, a program of organ music by American Public Media. The organ was built by local organ builder, Dan Jaeckel.   For more information on the organ itself, click here.