The tenth pastor of Pilgrim, Dr. E. H. McDonald raised the congregation to new levels of worship and introduced the members to new fellowship experiences.  First, he invited many outstanding evangelists to the church, who in turn, gained many new converts to the church.  Secondly, he improved the decorum of the worship services by having the Deacons and Trustees, dress in Prince Albert’s formal dress.  Thirdly, on several occasions, Rev. McDonald took the church on "A Trip Abroad" using slides and gave the proceeds of these "shows" to the church.

It was also during Rev. McDonald’s pastorate that a controversy arose which divided the church.  Early in 1914, Rev. McDonald and up to one-half of the membership left Pilgrim and purchased Memorial Baptist Church.  This church was located on Rice Street and had a seating capacity of 600.  The present Mt. Olivet on Central Avenue is a descendant of that church.

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