Pleasant Grove History

The story of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church since 1882

See our Pleasant Grove historic picture gallery.

The Pleasant Grove Baptist Church was organized in June of 1882. At that time, the church was located at what was then 17th and Ohio (presently, Harding and Ohio streets). Early accounts of the life of the church show that our forefathers were evangelistic minded. Large baptismal services were held at the nearby bayou, which was Lake Harding, located near Harding and Indiana streets.

The church has been rebuilt six times. One structure was destroyed by fire. The congregation began construction on the new building under the leadership of Rev. J. Haywood. During his tenure, which ended in 1949, only the basement was completed. That structure was completed under the pastorate of Rev. T. Key in 1953. Our present edifice was erected in 1973. Dedicatory services were held in 1974 under the dynamic leadership of Rev. J. H. Nolen and the perseverance of many members who dreamed of a modern sanctuary, which included an education annex. The mortgage burning service and ceremony were held in 1979.

Rev. Charles Taylor was the first pastor of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He served from 1882-1908. Other dynamic pastors who have led this congregation are:

Rev. J. Singleton 1908 – 1913
Rev. H. L. Higgins 1913 – 1920
Rev. M. Ferguson 1920 – 1930
Rev. E. Moore 1930 – 1936
Rev. D. Holston 1936 – 1946
Rev. J. Haywood 1946 – 1949
Rev. T. Key 1949 – 1955
Rev. J. H. Nolen 1955 – 1987
Rev. K. Newburn 1987 – 1988
Rev. M. E. Wiley 1988 – 1991
Rev. B. R. Brasfield 1991 – 1995
Rev. H. Shirlee 1996 –2017
Rev. Dennis Wilson 2019 – present

Some of the early memorable Christian personalities of our church were: Brothers Ed Williams, James Brown, Will Gray, H. Robinson, Booker Smith, Dudley Crater, J. Lewis, Joshua Johnson, Joe Thompson, Ben Height, Buck Johnson, Robert Wiles, Willie Walker, Willie Garrett, and O. J. Turner. Others included: Sisters Luella McCoy, Martha Colbert, Bertha Wiles, Bessie Browder, Ida B. Garrett, A. Wiley, Gracie Thornton, Lucille Moorehead and Rose Vaughan.

After hearing recounts by several members of the church, a few words cannot tell of Deacon Ed Williams or Bro. Ben Height who tolled the church bells to let neighbors know of a member’s home going. Nor can words describe Bro. Cody Washington who organized the first usher board.

Pleasant Grove has ordained and sent into the vineyard the following ministers: Reverends Peter Thompson, Willie Thornton, Jr., Wiley Jackson, H. Y. Johnson, Jesse Turner, Charles Hawkins, Torey Adam, Charles Hawkins, Bobby Butler, Joshua Crater and Joshua Pickett.

Rev. H. Y. Johnson and Rev. Jesse Turner served as interim pastors. Reverends W. L. Russell, Early Foreman, and John Moorehead, serve as associate ministers under the leadership of Pastor Dennis Wilson.

Worship services at Pleasant Grove had always been held bi-monthly and continued as such except during the administration of Rev. Key. After his departure, the church members voted to return to services held monthly. We began full-time service again in 1987 under the leadership of Rev. K. Newburn, holding services each Sunday morning. The Rev. Harold Shirlee served as pastor for more than 20 years beginning in 1996.

The Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church is a venerable institution, providing religious leadership and spiritual enlightenment to its membership and the community throughout its years. Our upward mobility for the cause of Christ is evidenced by our prolific past and our vital present. We joyfully celebrate 134 years of being in service to the Lord.

See our Pleasant Grove historic photo gallery.