The Pilgrim Center and its predecessor have been building community in midtown, Kansas City, Missouri for nearly 50 years.

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In the late-1960’s, a group of involved neighborhood leaders first gathered in Westport to address the issues of violence and crime that were overtaking their historic neighborhood.

Out of their discussions, the Westport Allen Center was born, and two young seminarians, Roger and Liz Coleman, were invited to lead this organization.

The Westport Allen Center purchased a building and began offering the space free to groups interested in improving the community.Before long, the first Free Clinic in the area opened, rehearsal space was provided for what would become the Kansas City Ballet, the Allen Edison school was founded, and affordable housing for seniors created in the neighborhood. Making childcare, education, healthcare, senior living, and arts programming available to the area were big steps in rebuilding a healthier community for Westport.

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In 1997, the Westport Allen Center merged with the Pilgrim Chapel and was reborn as the Pilgrim Center.  Pilgrim Chapel and the parsonage next door are historic buildings in Hyde Park.  Pilgrim Chapel is a non-denominational space, hosting a variety of religious communities who need a place to gather.  During the AIDS epidemic and the initial panic that accompanied it, Pilgrim Chapel performed memorial services for AIDS victims and their loved ones.

Today, the Pilgrim Center continues to pursue the goals of improving the community in which we live for all people. We offer educational, arts, and family-friendly, FREE entertainment opportunities in our midtown community.  Birthed in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s, now more than ever, we are working to address systemic racism and to achieve racial equity.  We welcome diversity and invite everyone to join us in offering healthy and  productive activities and venues for involvement to our community.

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Our mission is to build a stronger community in Midtown, Kansas City, Missouri.  Please, join us!