Pleasant Bethany Baptist Church History,
Organized in July 1905
The history of Pleasant Bethany Baptist Church is preserved with the hope of inspiring our present and future congregations. Our prayer is we protect the vision of those who labored and endured hardships for the church, its members, and the community. Pleasant Bethany Baptist church was Organized in July 1905 by the late Rev. H. Winn. First, worship services were held under a tree. Later a brush arbor was built, with large logs used for seats. Some of the deacons: Mockerson Johnson, Walter Jackson, Sammy Wheat, and Elbert Garner. The sisters were: Lula Green, Ella Cheeks, and others. Here these Faithful Christians worshipped until a church was constructed.
On February 10, 1910, the dedicatory services of the Pleasant Bethany Baptist Church took place on this blessed day. The thirty-three brave-hearted poverty, almost stricken members, were driven from choice home. Marched out into a forest, with God's green carpet for a floor, the blue canopy of heaven for a roof, exclaimed in loud accents, "Lord, I forsake my home (the church) I'll sacrifice my life, my all, upon thy altar, here I am, use me.
Under the Pastoral leadership of Rev. J. H.Winn, on this day, they came forth reconciling, bringing their sheaves with them. They raised $1,520 for their church property and paid the Pastor $25.00 per Sunday. In addition, they had given him a free-will offering of $40.00 each year, a $25.00 contribution to education, and $45.00 to the mission.
Earl in the 1920's after the brick sanctuary of Elgin's First Methodist Church was completed, Pleasant Bethany purchased its white frame building and moved to the east end of church street. This building replaced the first box building built under the leadership of the late Rev. J. H. Winn. Rev Winn served as Pastor for a few years then resigned.
On December 31, 1967, the church building was destroyed by fire. Only the members' faith remained. The Masonic Lodge Hall became our place of Worship for two years and seven months. During this time, the church membership increased by 33 members. The dedication for the present edifice was on July 5, 1970. Since the entrance, we have been blessed with many Christian workers.
Some of the deacons associated with the church were the late Deacons: Nathan Denmon, Earl Penson, Chester Penson, Early Brown, Samuel Dove, Sherman McBride, George Hatch, Isiah Jones, Sercy Simmons, Lewis Brown, Eddie Jerrell, Merlin Moore, Robert Barnes, Tommie Moore, Haywood McNeil, James Denmon, Amiel Dove & Chester O. Alexander, and Mose Simmons served as Deacons. In addition, serving at this time are Robert Loving, Ulysses Loving Sr, Earl James, Lucius Hill Jr., and Robert Simms.
As can be determined, 20 pastors served in the church's history. Listed in the order of which they served are the late Reverends: J. H. Winn, Pyburn, Kelley, Griffin, Ervin, Canada, F.T. Floyd, Colman, Burley, Refus, H.V. McCarther, W.L. Green, Gaint, G.W. Chapman, Henderson, J.E. James, Mack Robinson, Don G Cyphers 1991-2007, Louis Harrison Jr. 2008-2021. The current Pastor is Alvin Ray Evans Jr. 2022-.
As we look forward with great expectation, the Pleasant Bethany Baptist Church members will continue to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness through true Worship. Through evangelism and outreach, we will communicate God's love by meeting the needs of others. We will edify and encourage one another in Christian love and offer only the highest praise to God in an atmosphere where the Bible is taught, the gospel is preached, and souls are reached.