PILGRIM INSTITUTE, now Pilgrim Christian College, was born out of the dreams and aspiration of a group of dedicated men and women who felt the need for a school aimed at giving quality education hinged on the development of Christian character in 1948. These men and women who shared the same vision were: Atty. Pedro Mendez, Mr. Isabelo Gatchalian, Rev. Roberto Gahuman, Mrs. Feliza Penalojo, Col. Luis Franco, Mrs. Leoncio Madronal, Mr. Clemention Chavez, and Mr. Paterno Velez.

On June 6, 1948, the school opened a complete four year secondary education with around 250 students. Classes were held at Carruth Hall, a prewar girl’s dormitory converted into a church library and student center after World War II.

Pilgrim Institute was awarded government recognition in 1950. In 1964, the old stock corporation was dissolved and was later on reincorporated on March 11, 1965 as non-stock, non-profit educational institution to qualify as a church related school under the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

After three previous attempts in 1951, 1954 and 1967, the college department was finally reopened in 1986 during which time the school was renamed as Pilgrim Christian College. The college department initially offered two complete four-year collegiate courses namely: AB Mass Communication and Bachelor of Arts and Science in Business Administration major in Management.

In April 8, 1988, Pilgrim Christian College granted a three- year (3) accreditation for its high school department by the Association Christian Schools and Colleges (ACSC) Accrediting Agency thereby classifying Pilgrim as level I in the accreditation listing of Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines.

In 1992, four new collegiate courses were offered namely: Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (BSED) major in Mathematics, Technology and Home Economics, Physical Education, Health and Music, Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) major in Early Childhood, Bachelor of Science and Accountancy (BSA), and Association in Computer Secretarial (ACS).

Campus life is inspired by the motto: Soli de Gloria (to God alone be the Glory). It is the institution commitment to continually provide the academic community opportunities towards the Wholistic development of the students.

Pilgrim Christian College, as a church-related institute of the United Church of Christ In the Philippines (UCCP), continues to strive to bear an active and effective witness of Jesus Christ in the Evangelical tradition. It continues to work cooperatively with 17 other member-schools of CREATIVE-UCCP (Church Related Educational Action Towards Empowerment), a consumption of church-related educational institutions of the UCCP. As CREATE-UCCP member, it adheres to the consortium’s guiding principle committing its educational efforts towards strengthening of faith, and Christian values promotion of nationalism, and the realization of justice, freedom, and social responsibility.

Through the years, Pilgrim Christian College has done its share in bringing about change where this was needed, expertise where this was missing, and leadership where this was wanting. Today, it is relentlessly pursuing a renewed dedication and a firm determination.

THE PILGRIM SONG
The Helm and the Cross

Let the world go rolling
Let the ages pass;
Keep wisdom marching
Let the nations rise;
Let ambition towers
As high as it goes
But life’s made richer
By the Helm and the Cross

Chorus:

Pilgrim Christian College
With the Helm and Cross you’re leading
Pioneers for the manhood
That once flow’r’d in Galilee
Pilgrim Christian College
With the Helm and the Cross you’re calling
Men come, men will go,
But the Helm and the Cross will stay.

(Repeat chorus) PILGRIM CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
(A Church-Related Institution of the UCCP)

VISION
(What we are becoming)
We are preserving, compassionate and competent educational institution committed to develop Wholistic, transformed students whose character and integrity are build on solid, moral and spiritual values, whose competencies are globally competitive, and whose commitment to serve God and country is strong and steadfast.

MISSION
(What we are doing)
Pilgrim Christian College exists to produce graduates who posse’s wisdom, knowledge and critical thinking skills are shown by lifestyle of discernment, character, stewardship, worship and service.

GOALS
(What we aim to achieve)
Develop a critical mass of leadership and managers who lives God’s will and continue to seek more meaningful values of faith, integrity, excellence and service.
Institutionalize an educational system that ensures the development of pupils and students who are God-fearing, competent, honest, empowered and responsive to the needs of humanity.
Optimize the integration and utilization of learning’s and experiences from linkages with church, communities, alumni and other stakeholders.
Ensure the sustainability of its integrated function of instruction, research and extension.

Credo
(What we, as CREATE UCCP Member-School, Believe)
We believe that seeking a life of CHRISTIAN-FAITH, LEARNING and ACTION will develop people becoming intellectually competent and honest, morally and ethically sensitive and creative aware and responsive to the needs, aspiration and realization of a JUST, FREE and RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL ORDER.