Robert Thomas Hickman
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(1831-1900)
When the steamboat Northern arrived in 1863 carrying labor and equipment to defuse a Dakota Indian uprising, it also towed a raft of 76 ex-slaves that had been found drifting. The ex-slaves (considered contraband at the time) called themselves "Pilgrims." They were met by hostile white dock workers and were taken to Fort Snelling for their protection. Soon, they were joined by a second group of 218 escaped slaves. While some settled near the fort, the remainder, led by dynamic preacher Robert T. Hickman returned to Saint Paul. Three years later they founded Pilgrim Baptist Church, one of the oldest continuous black congregations in the state.
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Reverend Robert Hickman
One of the founders of Pilgrim Baptist Church Date: Approximately 1877 Image courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society
Steamboat Northern Belle at Wabasha
Date: Approximately 1865 Image courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society
Pilgrim Baptist Church
- Congregation gathered at church on opening day - The Pilgrim Baptist Church was started in 1863 by Reverend Robert T. Hickman and his prayer group. The building on 743 Central Avenue dates from 1928. Date: December 16, 1928 Image courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society
Pilgrim Baptist Church
Congregation gathered at church on opening day at 743 Central Avenue. Date: December 16, 1928 Image courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society
Pilgrim Baptist Church
Congregation gathered at church on opening day at 743 Central Avenue. Date: December 16, 1928 Image courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society