A HISTORY OF PLEASANT HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, five miles South of Rocky Mount, Virginia was begun in 1857, when the present site containing one and three fourth acres, more or less, was donated to the Methodist Episcopal Church (South) by William Menefee and his wife, Mrs. Naomi Jane Menefee. The deed was signed and placed in the Clerk’s office at Rocky Mount on August 5, 1857.
The charter members of the first Pleasant Hill Church, twenty-four in number were: Nathaniel Angle, Mrs. Sarah Angle, Mrs. (Margaret P.?) Jerry Barbour, Johnnie Cassell, Larkin Cassell, Mrs. Lucy Cassell, Mrs. Mary Jane Cassell, Nicholas Cassell, James Doughton, Mrs. Ann Jane Doughton, Mrs. Caroline Frith, Samuel Lavinder, Shelton Lavinder, Mrs. Naomi Jane Menefee, Mrs. Ann Price, Mrs. Chloe Richards, Shadrach Richards, Mrs. Susan Ann Taylor, Mrs. Jane Wagoner, Creed Waid, James Waid, Powell Waid, Mrs. Cynthia Woody, Mrs. Susan A. Woody.
In our church and Sunday school of today, we have quite a number of the descendants of these charter members.
During 1857, and a few years prior to this date, the old-fashioned tent meetings were held on the lot that is now the present Pleasant Hill Church site. Some of the sincere, enthusiastic religious leaders of the day built log cabins on the grounds and when the time came for their two or three week meetings they brought their families, clothing, food, dishes and bedding, and lived in their cabins, or tents as they called them, until the series of meetings closed. (Others stayed at the home of family and friends). One of the old cabins was used as a school building for several years after the Civil War.
The first church was built of hewn timers, held together with wooden pegs, as nails had not yet come to be plentiful. The building was weather boarded, and some years after the war it was finally sealed to keep out the cold. In this first church was a gallery reached by a flight of steps from the front left-hand corner of the inside of the building, which served as a place for the slaves of the members, thereby, affording an opportunity for the slaves, too, to hear the word of God preached.
The first pastor was a man named Nathaniel Thomas (Nat Thomas) who was with the religious group before the church was built and who labored with the men of the community in getting out the rocks and laying the foundation for the building. He organized the groups and paved the way for the pastors who were to follow him. This first church was built by Mr. Johnnie Cassell, a great uncle of the Johnnie Cassell who built the second and third churches. When the roof was finished, Mr. Cassell sat on the roof for some time viewing the surrounding area, and then selected the spot where he wished to be buried. His grave was the first one in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The first church served as a place of worship for fifty-five years but as the membership increased the interest in a more up to date building grew and plans began to be made to erect a new church building.
The first church was torn down and replaced by a new frame building which was dedicated on September 22, 1912, while the Rev. John Marshall was pastor. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Dr. B. M. Beckham who used as his text the two words, “God Is”. The second church was destroyed by fire in the summer of 1936, when it was struck by lightning during an electrical storm. The church and community, under the leadership of their pastor, Rev. George H. Boyd, worked faithfully to get another church built. (Members of the building committee were: J. J. Beheler, Charles R. Powell, George Cassell, Sr. and John A. Moir)
The present brick-cased building was begun in 1937, and was dedicated May 29, 1938. This time the dedicatory sermon was delivered by Rev. Joseph T. Allen, at that time District Superintendent of the Danville District. The afternoon message was delivered by Rev. Clifford Frith using as his text these words, “And He Went a Little Farther.” This wonderful message challenged every Christian to go a little farther in his efforts in working for his Lord. (Members of this building committee were: J. W. Cassell, A. G. Fralin, B. C. Harrison, and A. R. Preston). (The cost of this building was $4,500.00)
Pleasant Hill Church has experienced many changes and has been transferred from one charge to another several times. At one time, it was associated with the Rocky Mount church and charge, but was separated from it in 1894 and transferred to the West Franklin Mission. It was with the Franklin Circuit two different times, and with the West Franklin Mission three different times, but in 1910 the Circuit and a new charge was formed known as the South Franklin Charge. So since 1910 Pleasant Hill Church has been on the South Franklin Charge. There are five churches on this charge, of which Pleasant Hill is one of the number. These five churches have, during the pastorate of Rev. U. G. Bailey, built an up to date parsonage which is now occupied by the pastor. (The five churches were: Bethlehem, Fork Mountain, Pleasant Grove, Pleasant Hill and Snow Creek Methodist/Christian)
Two fine young men have gone out from Pleasant Hill as ministers of the gospel, Rev. Junius T. Cassell, a Methodist minister and member of the Virginia Conference, and Rev. Clifford Frith, a Baptist minister. The church is indeed proud of these two noble Christian men. An Addendum was added stating: The Pleasant Hill Church is just as proud of the other ministers who have gone out from her doors to preach the Gospel. These are Jesse Ben Lavinder, Pombey Powers, and George E. Powell, who is at the present time serving in the Virginia Conference and has had a very satisfactory and fruitful ministry in the Methodist church in this Conference.
Below are the names of the young girls who have married ministers, and the names of the minister to whom they are married. Miss Etta Kyle Fralin, wife of Rev. John Richard Bradshaw Miss Mildred Woody, wife of Rev. George H. Boyd Miss Doris L. Doughton, wife of Rev. Walter G. Bangle
This information was copied from the booklet, “A History of Pleasant Hill Church 1857-1950” The following history was compiled for the 100th anniversary in 1957 by Miss Valeria Clements (Powell) and Miss Charlotte Seegars with the help of Mrs. J. R. (Nannie) Doughton and information supplied by J. W. Cassell and others. Mrs. Doughton (January 1, 1880-July 22, 1979) had kept a very detailed scrapbook of the church from 1929 until 1963. Valeria and Roscoe Powell have been the keeper of this great treasure since Mrs. Doughton turned it over to them.
During 1857, and a few years prior to this date, the old-fashioned tent meetings were held on the lot that is now the present Pleasant Hill Church site. Some of the sincere, enthusiastic religious leaders of the day built log cabins on the grounds and when the time came for their two or three week meetings they brought their families, clothing, food, dishes and bedding, and lived in their cabins, or tents as they called them, until the series of meetings closed. (Others stayed at the home of family and friends). One of the old cabins was used as a school building for several years after the Civil War.
The first church was built of hewn timers, held together with wooden pegs, as nails had not yet come to be plentiful. The building was weather boarded, and some years after the war it was finally sealed to keep out the cold. In this first church was a gallery reached by a flight of steps from the front left-hand corner of the inside of the building, which served as a place for the slaves of the members, thereby, affording an opportunity for the slaves, too, to hear the word of God preached.
The first pastor was a man named Nathaniel Thomas (Nat Thomas) who was with the religious group before the church was built and who labored with the men of the community in getting out the rocks and laying the foundation for the building. He organized the groups and paved the way for the pastors who were to follow him. This first church was built by Mr. Johnnie Cassell, a great uncle of the Johnnie Cassell who built the second and third churches. When the roof was finished, Mr. Cassell sat on the roof for some time viewing the surrounding area, and then selected the spot where he wished to be buried. His grave was the first one in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The first church served as a place of worship for fifty-five years but as the membership increased the interest in a more up to date building grew and plans began to be made to erect a new church building.
The first church was torn down and replaced by a new frame building which was dedicated on September 22, 1912, while the Rev. John Marshall was pastor. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Dr. B. M. Beckham who used as his text the two words, “God Is”. The second church was destroyed by fire in the summer of 1936, when it was struck by lightning during an electrical storm. The church and community, under the leadership of their pastor, Rev. George H. Boyd, worked faithfully to get another church built. (Members of the building committee were: J. J. Beheler, Charles R. Powell, George Cassell, Sr. and John A. Moir)
The present brick-cased building was begun in 1937, and was dedicated May 29, 1938. This time the dedicatory sermon was delivered by Rev. Joseph T. Allen, at that time District Superintendent of the Danville District. The afternoon message was delivered by Rev. Clifford Frith using as his text these words, “And He Went a Little Farther.” This wonderful message challenged every Christian to go a little farther in his efforts in working for his Lord. (Members of this building committee were: J. W. Cassell, A. G. Fralin, B. C. Harrison, and A. R. Preston). (The cost of this building was $4,500.00)
Pleasant Hill Church has experienced many changes and has been transferred from one charge to another several times. At one time, it was associated with the Rocky Mount church and charge, but was separated from it in 1894 and transferred to the West Franklin Mission. It was with the Franklin Circuit two different times, and with the West Franklin Mission three different times, but in 1910 the Circuit and a new charge was formed known as the South Franklin Charge. So since 1910 Pleasant Hill Church has been on the South Franklin Charge. There are five churches on this charge, of which Pleasant Hill is one of the number. These five churches have, during the pastorate of Rev. U. G. Bailey, built an up to date parsonage which is now occupied by the pastor. (The five churches were: Bethlehem, Fork Mountain, Pleasant Grove, Pleasant Hill and Snow Creek Methodist/Christian)
Two fine young men have gone out from Pleasant Hill as ministers of the gospel, Rev. Junius T. Cassell, a Methodist minister and member of the Virginia Conference, and Rev. Clifford Frith, a Baptist minister. The church is indeed proud of these two noble Christian men. An Addendum was added stating: The Pleasant Hill Church is just as proud of the other ministers who have gone out from her doors to preach the Gospel. These are Jesse Ben Lavinder, Pombey Powers, and George E. Powell, who is at the present time serving in the Virginia Conference and has had a very satisfactory and fruitful ministry in the Methodist church in this Conference.
Below are the names of the young girls who have married ministers, and the names of the minister to whom they are married. Miss Etta Kyle Fralin, wife of Rev. John Richard Bradshaw Miss Mildred Woody, wife of Rev. George H. Boyd Miss Doris L. Doughton, wife of Rev. Walter G. Bangle
This information was copied from the booklet, “A History of Pleasant Hill Church 1857-1950” The following history was compiled for the 100th anniversary in 1957 by Miss Valeria Clements (Powell) and Miss Charlotte Seegars with the help of Mrs. J. R. (Nannie) Doughton and information supplied by J. W. Cassell and others. Mrs. Doughton (January 1, 1880-July 22, 1979) had kept a very detailed scrapbook of the church from 1929 until 1963. Valeria and Roscoe Powell have been the keeper of this great treasure since Mrs. Doughton turned it over to them.
Many material improvements have been made to the church property since the erection of the third church building. Each has added to the beauty and the usefulness of the church. Some of the things that have been done include: the adding of electric lights, installing a furnace, finishing the basement for Sunday school rooms, and redecorating the sanctuary. In October of 1956 an oil furnace was installed; and a convenient spot in front of the church was cleaned off, leveled and graveled for parking space. In March of 1957, the entire basement was plastered and the floor was tiled in order to make the Sunday school rooms more comfortable and attractive. The Sunday school rooms have been furnished with chairs suitable to the ages of the children. Crayons, chalk boards, and other materials that make for effective teaching in the church school were purchased. The floor of the sanctuary was re-finished, and the interior of the church was painted, the walls being made a pale green and the ceiling white. The dossal cloth of maroon velveteen was hung behind the pulpit. An altar set for the communion table, scarves for the table and pulpit, and flower stands, with vases to match the altar set, were given in honor of loved ones. Draperies to match the dossal cloth have been hung at the windows behind the pulpit, and the kneeling cushions have been re-covered.
In recent years several new organizations have been formed. In 1954 the Friendship Bible Class was reorganized. This group meets monthly and provides opportunities for worship and fellowship for all families of the church. The class assumes much of the responsibility for the upkeep of the church property and grounds.
In October of 1956, the young people of Pleasant Hill Church withdrew from the “Three Corners Methodist Youth Fellowship’, which was made up of youth from Bethlehem, Fork Mountain and Pleasant Hill Church; to form their own Methodist Youth Fellowship. Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Strickler were selected as counselors, and Douglas Powell was elected president. With the help of Pastor, the Rev. John S. Hayes, and the Rural Worker of Franklin County, Miss Charlotte Seegars, interest ran high in making it a successful organization.
Vacation Church School is held each summer, and the boys and girls of the community look forward to it with great enthusiasm. They are proud of the things they make with their hands and the things they learn, so new to them although ages old.
A Church choir has been organized and practices each Monday night under the direction of Pastor John Hayes. Miss Mary Jo Fralin serves as pianist. Much has been accomplished in learning new hymns, and sincere practice is put on the improvements of familiar hymns.
Observation of the Centennial was held on September 29, 1957. The Reverend George E. Powell was the guest speaker for the morning service and former pastor, Reverend George H. Boyd and Reverend J. T. Cassell conducted the 2:30 service.
Taken from history written in 1992 by Libby Wimmer
In 1958 the Woman’s Society of Christian Service was organized under the direction of Rev. John S. Hayes, Pastor, and Miss Charlotte Seegars, Franklin County’s inspired and faithful Rural Worker. There were 10 charter members and Mrs. Jewell T. Preston was elected as the first president. The members were: Jewell T. Preston, Ruth P. Lazenby, Clara B. Lovell, Nellie H. Powell, Eula S. Robertson, Nadine R. Oliver (DeHart), Roslyn C. Woody, Lillie Hodges, Valeria Clements (Powell) and Charlotte Seegars.
During the Reverend LeRoy Young’s pastorate, he was successful in getting a three-church charge, instead of five churches. This enabled each church to get more individual attention and guidance from the clergy. He was a loyal member of the Rescue Squad and was instrumental in reorganizing the Boy Scouts in Pleasant Hill and Bethlehem.
The Reverend Richard E. Hamblin came to the South Franklin Charge in September 1963—a hard working, inspired pastor who set to work immediately to right many of the wrongs and problems the South Franklin Charge had suffered. He began publishing a parish paper called “The Harvester” which contained a complete calendar of activities and events. Rev. Hamblin also introduced a new fellowship, fund raising project to Franklin County in which some of the churches still participate. The “Lord’s Acre” project is interdenominational and interracial and consists of individual and personal projects climaxed by an all-day sale in October of each year. In the beginning the Lord’s Acre Day began with a parade. Under the direction of Rev. Hamblin, an upstairs bathroom and a carport were added to the parsonage
In July, 1967 a new educational building was erected at the rear of the church. The building provided four additional classrooms upstairs and a fellowship hall with a fireplace in the basement. Running water, two bathrooms and a kitchen were added for the convenience and pleasure of all. Much of the work was done by the men of the church under the direction of Rufus Beheler. Carroll Richards, Jr., was the Building Fund Treasurer, Gordon Preston, Chairman of the Trustees, Roscoe Powell, Chairman of the Board and Wilson Powell, Treasurer. These men worked long and hard to construct and raise the money to build this addition. Walter Powell, Sr., Walter Powell, Jr., Mrs. Nannie Doughton and Mrs. Dorothy Smith were among the inspired members who joined ranks to accomplish this project. (Walter Powell, Sr. died before the project was finished)
(In 1978 the front porch was enclosed to make a narthex. Also carpet was added to the sanctuary.) In 1985 stained glass windows were installed in the sanctuary in honor or in memory. (The windows were moved when the larger sanctuary was built in 1993.)
(The 135th Anniversary was celebrated on August 2, 1992. District Superintendent, Reverend Louis Carson was the speaker. The title of his message was “Launch Out Into the Deep”.)
This additional history has been compiled by Angie Weddle for the 150th Anniversay of August 5, 2007
In 1973 Fork Mountain became a station church which reduced the South Franklin Charge to two churches – Bethlehem and Pleasant Hill. History began to repeat itself and once again Pleasant Hill’s attendance called for the need for bigger facilities. After much prayer and consideration plans were made to add a sanctuary and fellowship hall. Additional land was donated by Doris Doughton Calvert, Mamie Doughton and Carol Mayberry in memory of J. Harold Doughton.
Under the leadership of Pastors Henry Butler, Robert Gue, William Atwell and Dave Snead plans were drawn and approved. Groundbreaking for the first octagon shaped sanctuary in Franklin County was held on December 6, 1992. Construction was started on April 20, 1993. Rev. Herbert Seemann served as pastor during this time. V. Watson Smith of Glade Hill was the contractor and Hughes Associates Architects of Roanoke designed the building. Everett Stanley chaired the Building Committee which consisted of: J. C. Ayers, Janet Carter, John Daley, Libby Emler (Wimmer), Sherman Emler, Bryan Jones, Pat Jones, Lloyd Mason, Joseph Palmer, Walter Powell, Jr., Alice Richardson (Gourley), Lucinda Richards, Ethel Stanley and Corvin Weddle.
The first worship service and consecration was held on December 5, 1993. The afternoon service included Laying of the Cornerstone and the Celebration of Consecration of the Sanctuary followed by a reception. District Superintendent, Reverend Louis Carson, presided at this service.
In recent years several new organizations have been formed. In 1954 the Friendship Bible Class was reorganized. This group meets monthly and provides opportunities for worship and fellowship for all families of the church. The class assumes much of the responsibility for the upkeep of the church property and grounds.
In October of 1956, the young people of Pleasant Hill Church withdrew from the “Three Corners Methodist Youth Fellowship’, which was made up of youth from Bethlehem, Fork Mountain and Pleasant Hill Church; to form their own Methodist Youth Fellowship. Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Strickler were selected as counselors, and Douglas Powell was elected president. With the help of Pastor, the Rev. John S. Hayes, and the Rural Worker of Franklin County, Miss Charlotte Seegars, interest ran high in making it a successful organization.
Vacation Church School is held each summer, and the boys and girls of the community look forward to it with great enthusiasm. They are proud of the things they make with their hands and the things they learn, so new to them although ages old.
A Church choir has been organized and practices each Monday night under the direction of Pastor John Hayes. Miss Mary Jo Fralin serves as pianist. Much has been accomplished in learning new hymns, and sincere practice is put on the improvements of familiar hymns.
Observation of the Centennial was held on September 29, 1957. The Reverend George E. Powell was the guest speaker for the morning service and former pastor, Reverend George H. Boyd and Reverend J. T. Cassell conducted the 2:30 service.
Taken from history written in 1992 by Libby Wimmer
In 1958 the Woman’s Society of Christian Service was organized under the direction of Rev. John S. Hayes, Pastor, and Miss Charlotte Seegars, Franklin County’s inspired and faithful Rural Worker. There were 10 charter members and Mrs. Jewell T. Preston was elected as the first president. The members were: Jewell T. Preston, Ruth P. Lazenby, Clara B. Lovell, Nellie H. Powell, Eula S. Robertson, Nadine R. Oliver (DeHart), Roslyn C. Woody, Lillie Hodges, Valeria Clements (Powell) and Charlotte Seegars.
During the Reverend LeRoy Young’s pastorate, he was successful in getting a three-church charge, instead of five churches. This enabled each church to get more individual attention and guidance from the clergy. He was a loyal member of the Rescue Squad and was instrumental in reorganizing the Boy Scouts in Pleasant Hill and Bethlehem.
The Reverend Richard E. Hamblin came to the South Franklin Charge in September 1963—a hard working, inspired pastor who set to work immediately to right many of the wrongs and problems the South Franklin Charge had suffered. He began publishing a parish paper called “The Harvester” which contained a complete calendar of activities and events. Rev. Hamblin also introduced a new fellowship, fund raising project to Franklin County in which some of the churches still participate. The “Lord’s Acre” project is interdenominational and interracial and consists of individual and personal projects climaxed by an all-day sale in October of each year. In the beginning the Lord’s Acre Day began with a parade. Under the direction of Rev. Hamblin, an upstairs bathroom and a carport were added to the parsonage
In July, 1967 a new educational building was erected at the rear of the church. The building provided four additional classrooms upstairs and a fellowship hall with a fireplace in the basement. Running water, two bathrooms and a kitchen were added for the convenience and pleasure of all. Much of the work was done by the men of the church under the direction of Rufus Beheler. Carroll Richards, Jr., was the Building Fund Treasurer, Gordon Preston, Chairman of the Trustees, Roscoe Powell, Chairman of the Board and Wilson Powell, Treasurer. These men worked long and hard to construct and raise the money to build this addition. Walter Powell, Sr., Walter Powell, Jr., Mrs. Nannie Doughton and Mrs. Dorothy Smith were among the inspired members who joined ranks to accomplish this project. (Walter Powell, Sr. died before the project was finished)
(In 1978 the front porch was enclosed to make a narthex. Also carpet was added to the sanctuary.) In 1985 stained glass windows were installed in the sanctuary in honor or in memory. (The windows were moved when the larger sanctuary was built in 1993.)
(The 135th Anniversary was celebrated on August 2, 1992. District Superintendent, Reverend Louis Carson was the speaker. The title of his message was “Launch Out Into the Deep”.)
This additional history has been compiled by Angie Weddle for the 150th Anniversay of August 5, 2007
In 1973 Fork Mountain became a station church which reduced the South Franklin Charge to two churches – Bethlehem and Pleasant Hill. History began to repeat itself and once again Pleasant Hill’s attendance called for the need for bigger facilities. After much prayer and consideration plans were made to add a sanctuary and fellowship hall. Additional land was donated by Doris Doughton Calvert, Mamie Doughton and Carol Mayberry in memory of J. Harold Doughton.
Under the leadership of Pastors Henry Butler, Robert Gue, William Atwell and Dave Snead plans were drawn and approved. Groundbreaking for the first octagon shaped sanctuary in Franklin County was held on December 6, 1992. Construction was started on April 20, 1993. Rev. Herbert Seemann served as pastor during this time. V. Watson Smith of Glade Hill was the contractor and Hughes Associates Architects of Roanoke designed the building. Everett Stanley chaired the Building Committee which consisted of: J. C. Ayers, Janet Carter, John Daley, Libby Emler (Wimmer), Sherman Emler, Bryan Jones, Pat Jones, Lloyd Mason, Joseph Palmer, Walter Powell, Jr., Alice Richardson (Gourley), Lucinda Richards, Ethel Stanley and Corvin Weddle.
The first worship service and consecration was held on December 5, 1993. The afternoon service included Laying of the Cornerstone and the Celebration of Consecration of the Sanctuary followed by a reception. District Superintendent, Reverend Louis Carson, presided at this service.
A twenty year bank loan which totaled $212,000 was signed for the building project. The approximate cost of the building and furnishings was $475,000. Many of the accessories were donated in honor or memory and the beautiful windows were moved from the old sanctuary. Through generous giving and much hard work this loan was paid off in four years and nine months. The Note Burning and Dedication service was held on March 14, 1999. Virginia Conference Bishop, Reverend Joe E. Pennel, Jr. was the guest speaker. His sermon was entitled “Holy Ground”.
District Superintendent, Reverend Robert (Bob) McAden gave much guidance and support in fulfilling a long held goal of becoming a station church. In 2001, land adjoining the cemetery was purchased in anticipation of building a parsonage. However, a house became available on Fishburn Mountain Road and was purchased in April 2002.
At the South Franklin Charge Conference held at Bethlehem on February 8, 2004, Gene Carter, from Pleasant Hill, gave the motion to divide into two charges. Buddy Hodges, from Bethlehem, seconded the motion and all present voted in favor of the motion. District Superintendent, Reverend Mary Beth Blinn presided over the meeting. Pleasant Hill later sold our interest in the furnishings and the parsonage built while Rev. U. G. Bailey was pastor (1945-1952) to Bethlehem. The Reverend Corinne (Kay) Marsh became the first full-time and woman pastor at Pleasant Hill. Reverend Mark Deane came as the first station pastor to Bethlehem.
Our theme for the celebration of 150 years was THEN and NOW. NOW the average attendance for Sunday worship is approximately 116. Many times there are three generations from several families and sometimes four generations. New people are becoming a part of the church family. We still have baptisms in Chestnut Creek.
As with the Friendship Bible Club, evening Bible studies continue for children and adults. There are four adult Sunday school classes and four children’s classes. Some classrooms are crowded or in heavy traffic areas. At the current time we do not have a separate place to house our new library and the pastor’s office has become a Sunday school classroom. We envision a need to begin the process for possible expansion.
Our children still look forward to Vacation Bible School and other church activities. A playground was purchased and installed by members of the congregation in 2004 for use during these programs and for the community.
The Woman’s Society for Christian Service is now the United Methodist Women. This group is very active and involved in the life of the church and in missions. A United Methodist Men’s group was formed in 1979. They are an important part of the church, contributing financially as well as maintaining the church grounds and cemetery. Along with these two groups Pleasant Hill supports missions locally and globally.
On February 22, 2009 the ground was broken for a six room Sunday School annex which included an elevator. The Consecration celebration was held on November 22, 2009. Five youth and children classes and one adult class occupy this addition
Pleasant Hill has been a thriving, vital part of the community for 154 years. TO HIM BE THE GLORY BOTH NOW AND FOREVER!! 2 PETER 3:18
When the roof was finished, Mr. Johnnie Cassell sat on the roof for some time viewing the surrounding area and then selected the spot where he wished to be buried. His grave was the first one in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Many people since then have picked a favorite spot or “family row” in which to be buried. Mr. Cassell’s grave is clearly marked. Unfortunately, there are many graves that have only a field stone to mark them so we do not have a record of who these people are. We are trying very hard to see that this does not happen in the future.
The cemetery is currently being maintained by the United Methodist Men’s group. The men’s group is paid a very modest amount from the Cemetery fund to mow and trim. They are doing this not only as a ministry to the families of those buried here but also as a fund-raising project.
The cemetery has funds for operation that are separate from normal church funds. The Cemetery Endowment fund has been in existence for many years. This is a fund that is used for perpetual care and only interest income is used from this fund for expenses. (However, at this time the income from this fund is not enough to pay a commercial lawn service.) One way that we use to grow this fund is to designate one-half of income from sale of plots to the Endowment fund. Also, many people who make contributions to the cemetery ask that their gift go to the Endowment fund. (Donations are always welcomed and needed to continue the upkeep of the cemetery. You may contact Angie Weddle, treasurer at 2300 McNeil Mill Road, Rocky Mount, VA, 24151. Her phone number is 483-1390.)
A set of by-laws was established in 1978 and later revised in January 1, 2003. A copy of these provisions can be obtained from Corvin Weddle, 483-1390. You may also contact me if you are doing research on your family history. I have a listing of those who are buried here.
On February 22, 12009 a groundbreaking celebration was held for the construction of an educational annex.
On a cold, blustery morning members of all ages turned shovels of dirt to be a paert of the church’s history.
Rev. Liz (Elizabeth Hodges) Lazenby led the ceremony and gave the benediction at the conclusion of the program.
For more than 150 years, the church has grown from a camp meeting ground to its current design. It continues to grow in number.
The annex will be an expansion for the benefit of the Sunday school classes and other ministries. Members of the building committee are Sue Chitwood, Alice Gourley, Frank Gourley, Judy Palmer, Lionel Ayers, J C Ayers, Linda Ayers, Bryan Jones, and Corvin Weddle. Bryan Jones served as Chairperson and Timmy Mullins (TDM Construction) was the building contractor.
District Superintendent, Reverend Robert (Bob) McAden gave much guidance and support in fulfilling a long held goal of becoming a station church. In 2001, land adjoining the cemetery was purchased in anticipation of building a parsonage. However, a house became available on Fishburn Mountain Road and was purchased in April 2002.
At the South Franklin Charge Conference held at Bethlehem on February 8, 2004, Gene Carter, from Pleasant Hill, gave the motion to divide into two charges. Buddy Hodges, from Bethlehem, seconded the motion and all present voted in favor of the motion. District Superintendent, Reverend Mary Beth Blinn presided over the meeting. Pleasant Hill later sold our interest in the furnishings and the parsonage built while Rev. U. G. Bailey was pastor (1945-1952) to Bethlehem. The Reverend Corinne (Kay) Marsh became the first full-time and woman pastor at Pleasant Hill. Reverend Mark Deane came as the first station pastor to Bethlehem.
Our theme for the celebration of 150 years was THEN and NOW. NOW the average attendance for Sunday worship is approximately 116. Many times there are three generations from several families and sometimes four generations. New people are becoming a part of the church family. We still have baptisms in Chestnut Creek.
As with the Friendship Bible Club, evening Bible studies continue for children and adults. There are four adult Sunday school classes and four children’s classes. Some classrooms are crowded or in heavy traffic areas. At the current time we do not have a separate place to house our new library and the pastor’s office has become a Sunday school classroom. We envision a need to begin the process for possible expansion.
Our children still look forward to Vacation Bible School and other church activities. A playground was purchased and installed by members of the congregation in 2004 for use during these programs and for the community.
The Woman’s Society for Christian Service is now the United Methodist Women. This group is very active and involved in the life of the church and in missions. A United Methodist Men’s group was formed in 1979. They are an important part of the church, contributing financially as well as maintaining the church grounds and cemetery. Along with these two groups Pleasant Hill supports missions locally and globally.
On February 22, 2009 the ground was broken for a six room Sunday School annex which included an elevator. The Consecration celebration was held on November 22, 2009. Five youth and children classes and one adult class occupy this addition
Pleasant Hill has been a thriving, vital part of the community for 154 years. TO HIM BE THE GLORY BOTH NOW AND FOREVER!! 2 PETER 3:18
When the roof was finished, Mr. Johnnie Cassell sat on the roof for some time viewing the surrounding area and then selected the spot where he wished to be buried. His grave was the first one in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Many people since then have picked a favorite spot or “family row” in which to be buried. Mr. Cassell’s grave is clearly marked. Unfortunately, there are many graves that have only a field stone to mark them so we do not have a record of who these people are. We are trying very hard to see that this does not happen in the future.
The cemetery is currently being maintained by the United Methodist Men’s group. The men’s group is paid a very modest amount from the Cemetery fund to mow and trim. They are doing this not only as a ministry to the families of those buried here but also as a fund-raising project.
The cemetery has funds for operation that are separate from normal church funds. The Cemetery Endowment fund has been in existence for many years. This is a fund that is used for perpetual care and only interest income is used from this fund for expenses. (However, at this time the income from this fund is not enough to pay a commercial lawn service.) One way that we use to grow this fund is to designate one-half of income from sale of plots to the Endowment fund. Also, many people who make contributions to the cemetery ask that their gift go to the Endowment fund. (Donations are always welcomed and needed to continue the upkeep of the cemetery. You may contact Angie Weddle, treasurer at 2300 McNeil Mill Road, Rocky Mount, VA, 24151. Her phone number is 483-1390.)
A set of by-laws was established in 1978 and later revised in January 1, 2003. A copy of these provisions can be obtained from Corvin Weddle, 483-1390. You may also contact me if you are doing research on your family history. I have a listing of those who are buried here.
On February 22, 12009 a groundbreaking celebration was held for the construction of an educational annex.
On a cold, blustery morning members of all ages turned shovels of dirt to be a paert of the church’s history.
Rev. Liz (Elizabeth Hodges) Lazenby led the ceremony and gave the benediction at the conclusion of the program.
For more than 150 years, the church has grown from a camp meeting ground to its current design. It continues to grow in number.
The annex will be an expansion for the benefit of the Sunday school classes and other ministries. Members of the building committee are Sue Chitwood, Alice Gourley, Frank Gourley, Judy Palmer, Lionel Ayers, J C Ayers, Linda Ayers, Bryan Jones, and Corvin Weddle. Bryan Jones served as Chairperson and Timmy Mullins (TDM Construction) was the building contractor.