Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope
Durham’s story. Your story. God’s story.
Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope
The Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope is an opportunity to discover how your spiritual journey is connected to the place you live – Durham, NC. Through the pilgrimage you will immerse yourself in the story of the city and the Biblical story as you reflect with others on what it means for how you live your life in Durham. Join us for this transformative experience connecting Durham’s story, your story and God’s story.
2023 Pilgrimage Dates
Open Pilgrimages (anyone can register)
March 10th-12th, 2023
October 20th-22nd, 2023
Custom Pilgrimages (reserved for designated groups)
Duke Chapel: February 24th-26th, 2023
Duke Memorial UMC: April 21st-23rd, 2023
Pilgrim UCC & Mt. Calvary UCC: April 28th-30th, 2023
Raleigh Vineyard: October 13th-15th, 2023
testimonials
Main Components
1. Weekend Immersion
A weekend where participants visit sites and hear from key leaders in Durham, learning its story. There is time for reflection and prompting to engage with challenging questions about history, identity, and community. Meals will be provided.
2. Pilgrim Journey Discussions
Participants will gather for meetings before the weekend immersion to prepare for the journey, and after the immersion for reflection.
3. Pilgrimage Alumni Network
Pilgrimage is more than a one-time experience – it is a way of life. That’s why we help pilgrimage alumni stay connected through a communication network and gatherings throughout the year.
4. Pilgrim Life Events
The values that are learned through the Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope continue to be cultivated through smaller events that help connect Durham’s story, your story and God’s story. See the announcements section and our events page for upcoming Pilgrim Life Events.
The cost of the Weekend Immersion and Pilgrim Journey Discussions is $150, which includes all meals, speakers, and admission to each of the sites. Scholarships are available so that the cost will not be prohibitive. There are 20 spots available, and we will notify registrants if they are selected. DurhamCares can also organize a customized pilgrimage for your group at a different cost. Contact Rev. Williams if you’re interested at [email protected].

The Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope Video Curriculum is a complete video series based on the transformative Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope Weekend Immersion. While the Video Curriculum is not a substitute for the Weekend Immersion, it deepens the journey for people who have been on the Weekend Immersion and provides a pilgrimage-based opportunity for those unable to participate in the Weekend Immersion.
We hope to complete the curriculum by December 2021. If you would like be notified when it is complete, please sign up below.
Announcements
We have scheduled all pilgrimages for 2021 and 2022. If your group would like us to organize a Pilgrimage for you in 2023, contact Rev. Williams at [email protected]
Keith Daniel writes about pilgrimage in Faith and Leadership.
DurhamCares can organize a custom pilgrimage for your
church, organization, or any group
IF YOU’RE INTERESTED
sample pilgrimage itinerary
Friday
Afternoon/Evening
3:00-4:00pm
Meet at Stagville Plantation to prepare for the Pilgrimage Weekend
4:00-5:30 pm
Member of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation on Native American history in Durham
5:30-7:00 pm
Stagville Historical Tour
7:00-8:30 pm
Dinner at Stagville with guided reflection
Saturday
Morning
Meet at ReCity for guided walking pilgrimage of downtown Durham
- Parrish Street
- Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Durham History Hub
- Duke Memorial United Methodist Church
- Pauli Murray Mural
- Former Woolworths/One City Center
- NC Mutual Life Insurance Company
- Carolina Theater Exhibit
Saturday
Afternoon
Lunch at ReCity
12:45-1:45 pm
Personal Reflection time at ReCity and Central Park
1:45-3:00 pm
Virginia Williams, participant in the 1957 Royal Ice Cream Sit-In
3:00-5:30 pm
Break
Saturday
Evening
5:30-7:30 pm
Hayti Heritage Center with leader from the Hayti Community
Sunday
7:30 am
Worship at an historical Durham church
9:30 am
Guided reflection at ReCity
12:00 pm
Lunch and presentation from the Latina/o community
2:00-2:30 pm
Break
2:30-4:00 pm
Durham Then, Durham Now Panel