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Meet Our Pastor Terry E. Mackey - Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
Our Beloved Pastor

Pastor Terry E. Mackey

On December 2, 2018, Pilgrim Rest announced Terry E. Mackey as its new Pastor. Relocating with his family from Houston, Texas, Pastor Mackey was officially installed on March 31, 2019 as Senior Pastor. Pilgrim Rest and the community look forward to what’s ahead, anticipate further growth, and hope to carry out important work for the kingdom of God through Pastor Mackey’s leadership.

About Pastor Terry E. Mackey

Reverend Dr. Terry E. Mackey was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to his proud parents, Eugene and Dawn Mackey, in 1982. The golden text that serves as the impetus for his life comes from Matthew 6:33 which states, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.”

Pastor Mackey is a product of the Memphis City School system, where he graduated from Whitehaven High School. After graduating from Whitehaven with the highest honors, he attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. At Fisk, he was the President of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for two years and president of his class. He was also crowned Mr. Fisk University. He graduated Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Fisk University with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Religious Studies.

In May 2007, he received a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. Soon after graduation, he started ministering to the youth and young adults at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, one of the nation’s largest predominantly African American churches, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby. At Wheeler, Pastor Mackey became the primary teacher and preacher in the absence of the Rev. Dr. Cosby.

In September 2010, Rev. Mackey became the pastor of Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. At this church, he assisted in doubling the annual revenue and tripling attendance. 

Pastor Mackey has received numerous awards in oration, including the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. He is also an NAACP Act-So National Oratorical winner and an Alpha Phi Alpha National Oratorical winner.

In May 2021, he graduated with a Doctorate Degree in Ministry from the Memphis Theological Seminary, with a focus on church growth and church planting. Currently, Pastor Mackey is continuing Pilgrim Rest’s involvement in the community by actively participating and maintaining a visible presence.

Pastor Mackey is married to his sweetheart, Lynn F. Mackey, and they have three children, Micah, Timothy, and Barbara.