In Wicksburg the saying “it takes a village” isn’t just an adage, it really means something. Here, Pilgrim Home Baptist Church, led by Senior Pastor Allen Singley, embodies this spirit by focusing on the basics — helping neighbors in need.
“We’re here to share the love of Jesus, practically and spiritually,” Singley says.
And they do, through initiatives ranging from grocery giveaways to school supply drives. In doing so, members take the time to sit down and talk with folks, 1-on-1, building relationships while making life a little bit easier. It’s not flashy, but it’s honest work. And it doesn’t go unnoticed.
It’s this proactive, boots-on-the-ground approach that recently earned Pilgrim Home Baptist Church the Silent Heroes of the Wiregrass Award — an initiative between Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation and WTVY to honor unsung heroes in the region.
“On behalf of Operation Round Up, we’re thankful for Allen’s leadership and the good work being done by Pilgrim Home Baptist Church,” says Brad Kimbro, WEC chief operating officer. “They roll up their sleeves and help people, not for their own glory, but to genuinely care for those in need of a little help. They’ve certainly earned this recognition and we’re proud they’re doing that good work right here in the Wiregrass.”
In partnership with the Southeast Alabama Baptist Association, the church operates a mobile food pantry. But the congregation’s commitment to combating food insecurity extends further. Its Pack The Gap program sends food to Wicksburg Elementary and Wicksburg High School on Fridays, ensuring kids have enough to eat over the weekend.
Beyond food and school supplies drives, the church engages in mission trips, prayer walks, and other avenues of outreach. “Find the people that are already in your world and see how you can meet a need,” Singley says.
It’s a holistic approach to community service that recognizes the multifaceted needs of a community.
“If they need food, we can provide food. If they need encouragement, we can offer it,” Singley says. “The fact that we have a group of people that understand the value of being the hands and feet of Jesus in the community makes what I do a whole lot easier. I just get to cheer them on.”
In a world where it’s easy to grab attention with big gestures, Pilgrim Home Baptist Church is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful impact comes from simply doing the small things right. And though this village operates without fanfare, its quiet efforts to make life better deserve recognition all the same.