History of the Rockford Pilgrim Holiness Mission

On July 3, 1933, after two years of cottage prayer meetings led by  Denver Pease, a group of 12 people decided to organize for the work of the Lord and lost souls. They met at the home of Elmer Phelps in Rockford. Rev. Edwin Boone,  paster of the First Pilgrim Tabernacle, Grand Rapids, acting as chairman.  The name Pilgrim Holiness Mission  was chosen and the temporary place  of worship to be the Spiritualist Hall, corner of Bridge and Dayton. 12  voters were cast 11 of them choose Rev. Denver Pease of Edgerton as  pastor for the coming year. In July 1935, the present pastor, Rev. Irving  Polmenteer of Grand Rapids, was called as pastor. In 1938, the members  now numbering 32 decided to built a church of their own. Two lots were  purchased on U.S. 131 north of the Kent County Garage. They have the  basement well underway, and are looking forward to a finished building in  the near future.