Pilgrim Assemblies International, Inc. was established on July 18, 1990, through the vision and leadership of the Reverend Roy E. Brown. His desire was to cultivate spiritual continuity through prayer, spiritual direction, mutual accountability, and the development of leaders committed to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and serving communities in need.

On July 18, 1990, during Pilgrim Church’s Annual Day of Prayer, Reverend Roy E. Brown was consecrated to the bishopric by Bishop Chandler D. Owens, who served as Chief Consecrator. On that same day, Bishop Brown presented the vision of Pilgrim Assemblies to the gathered saints and began serving as its General Overseer.

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This moment marked the formal beginning of Pilgrim Assemblies International, Inc. and the development of a fellowship committed to spiritual formation, episcopal leadership, Christian fellowship, and the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

As Pilgrim Assemblies continued to develop, its episcopal structure expanded.

On April 9, 1994, during the Fifth Holy Convocation in Brooklyn, New York, Bishop Roy E. Brown consecrated the first eight bishops of Pilgrim Assemblies International:

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• Bishop Carlyle Krishna Chankersingh

• Bishop Elijah Bernard Jordan

• Bishop Charles Joseph Reed

• Bishop Robert Joel Rochford

• Bishop George Malachi Shorts

• Bishop Donald Eugene Burwell

• Bishop Claude Odell Timmons

• Bishop Richard David Moore

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From among these bishops, an Executive Board was appointed to assist Bishop Roy E. Brown in the leadership, administration, and continued development of the fellowship.

Bishop Roy E. Brown served as Presiding Bishop and President. Bishop Carlyle K. Chankersingh served as First Assistant; Bishop Elijah B. Jordan as Second Assistant; Bishop Charles J. Reed as General Secretary; and Bishop George M. Shorts as Treasurer.

Through Holy Convocations, leadership gatherings, spiritual renewal services, and continued fellowship among pastors and congregations, Pilgrim Assemblies continued to strengthen its organizational and spiritual foundation.

As Pilgrim Assemblies grew, its fellowship expanded beyond the United States and developed an increasing international presence.

On March 27, 1996, Bishop Roy E. Brown was elevated to the office of Archbishop, recognizing the expanding scope of his episcopal leadership and oversight.

Under Archbishop Brown’s leadership, Pilgrim Assemblies International continued to build relationships with churches and ministry leaders throughout the United States and abroad, including areas of the Caribbean, South Africa, and West Africa.

The growing fellowship reflected Archbishop Brown’s vision for an organization that would bring churches and leaders together through shared faith, spiritual accountability, episcopal oversight, and a commitment to Christian ministry.

As Pilgrim Assemblies moved into a new period of ministry, the fellowship experienced both significant loss and organizational challenges.

On December 7, 2006, Bishop Charles Joseph Reed, General Secretary of Pilgrim Assemblies International and Pastor of Pilgrim Cathedral of Harlem, transitioned from this life.

During this same period, Archbishop Brown experienced significant health challenges. Nevertheless, his vision and commitment to Pilgrim Assemblies remained firmly connected to the continued spiritual development of the organization.

In 2009, Pilgrim entered a season of renewed spiritual focus and organizational strengthening under Archbishop Brown’s leadership. During this period, twelve men were designated for consecration to the episcopacy as the fellowship prepared for continued ministry to a new generation.

On July 10, 2010, during the Pilgrim Assemblies International Holy Convocation, Archbishop Roy E. Brown consecrated:

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• Bishop Lester Livingstone Bradford

• Bishop Mario Ford

• Bishop Ronald Hopkins

• Bishop Myles Howard

• Bishop William Hudson III

• Bishop William Alfred Martin

• Bishop Donald Wayne Oliver

• Bishop Orrin Keith Pullings

• Bishop Allen Ray Rivers

• Bishop Charlie James Robinson, Sr.

• Bishop Eugene Seay II

• Bishop Michael Edwin Turpin

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This consecration represented another significant period of episcopal development within Pilgrim Assemblies International.

As Archbishop Brown considered the future of Pilgrim Assemblies International, intentional plans were made for the continuation of the fellowship’s leadership.

In July 2012, during the Official Day of the Pilgrim Assemblies International Holy Convocation, Archbishop Roy E. Brown appointed Bishop William Hudson III as his successor and Coadjutor to the Presiding Bishop.

The appointment established a clear path of succession while allowing Archbishop Brown’s vision and leadership to continue shaping the fellowship during a period of preparation and transition.

It also marked a significant moment in Pilgrim’s history as responsibility for its future leadership began to move toward a new generation.

On April 5, 2016, William Hudson III was enthroned as Chief Prelate and Presiding Bishop of Pilgrim Assemblies International, Inc.

His enthronement marked the formal transition into a new era of episcopal leadership while maintaining continuity with the foundation established by Archbishop Roy E. Brown.

Under Archbishop Hudson’s leadership, Pilgrim Assemblies International entered its next chapter with a continued commitment to strengthening churches, developing leaders, cultivating fellowship, and advancing the ministry of the organization across generations and nations.

Archbishop Roy E. Brown continued to be honored as the Founder and Patriarch of the fellowship whose vision established the foundation upon which Pilgrim continued to build.

On June 2, 2018, Archbishop Roy E. Brown transitioned from this life.

His passing marked the close of the earthly ministry of Pilgrim Assemblies International’s Founder and Patriarch, but not the end of the vision he established.

Through his ministry, Archbishop Brown helped develop pastors, bishops, churches, and ministry leaders while establishing a fellowship that grew beyond the vision first presented in 1990.

Pilgrim Assemblies International continues to honor Archbishop Roy E. Brown as its Founder and Patriarch, recognizing his spiritual leadership, episcopal legacy, commitment to ministry, and foundational contribution to the life and development of the organization.

Today, Pilgrim Assemblies International continues under the leadership of Archbishop William Hudson III, Presiding Bishop and Chief Prelate.

Building upon the foundation established by Archbishop Roy E. Brown, Pilgrim continues its commitment to spiritual development, Christian fellowship, episcopal leadership, church strengthening, and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As the fellowship moves forward, Pilgrim Assemblies International remains committed to serving present and future generations while strengthening its relationships with churches, pastors, leaders, and believers throughout its growing international community.

Its history is not simply a record of dates, offices, and transitions. It is the continuing story of a vision established in 1990 and carried forward through generations of leaders and churches committed to advancing the work of the Kingdom of God.

Pilgrim Assemblies International understands the ministry of the episcopacy as one of spiritual oversight, service, accountability, and leadership within the Church.

Its bishops are called, through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, to preach and teach the Word of God, encourage faith in Jesus Christ, provide spiritual guidance and oversight, strengthen the Church, and model lives of worship and Christian service before the people of God.

Consistent with Pilgrim’s historic understanding of episcopal ministry, its bishops are called not only to lead through office and responsibility, but also through worship, service, example, and devotion as chief praisers in the midst of God’s people.