About-Us

The vision of a place for worship became a reality when Ben E. Brown, Merritt Collier, Robert Trusty, Jesse Wyatt and Stephen Wilkins founded the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church beneath the shelter of a "Bush Arbor" under a Persimmon tree on the place of Billy Malone in 1867. In accordance with official records from Brunswick County, Virginia Clerk’s Office, on March 26, 1888, then Trustees Ben E. Brown and Robert Trusty secured the deed for one acre of land for $7.00 from Charles Abernathy. At that time the Church was officially organized. There were some additions over the years that included the building of an inside Baptismal Pool, the building and extension of the Fellowship Hall (still remains a part of the new sanctuary) and the addition of the Church Vestibule with ramp and sidewalk. In addition, more land was secured. The vision of the new edifice started in 2003 and the construction was from April 2005 until April 2006; the dedication ceremony was held on May 28, 2006. The steeple was then added and was under construction from December 2010 to February 2011; the dedication ceremony was held on March 6, 2011.

Pastors History

1. Rev. Green

2. Rev. Howerton

3. Rev. Ricks (-1915) He helped build the first edifice.

4. Rev. Eddie Jackson (1915-1923)

5. Rev. N. T. Cooper (1923-1949) Rev. P. W. Cain (Assistant)

6. Rev. Jessie C. Byrd (1949-1964) Rev. P. W. Cain (Assistant)

7. Rev. George A. Carey (1964-1983)

He built the altar furniture that was used in the first edifice.

**Rev. Earl Walker was Acting Pastor in transition from Pastor Carey until the selection of Pastor Clarke in 1985. Revs. Dr. James F. Ragland, Pink Wimbush and Howard Walker were Assistants.

8. Rev. William E. Clarke (April 1985 - December 2008)

He will always be remembered for setting in motion the building of our new sanctuary. The new edifice was completed in April 2006. He served as Pastor Emeritus from January 2009 until his death in February 2020. Revs. Nancy Atkins, Dorothy S. Richardson, Marilyn B. McLaughlin-Elder and Elmus Morgan Jr. were mentored and did their initial sermons under his leadership.

9. Rev. Ralph T. Friend (October 4, 2009 - present)

He has continued to keep our Church moving forward with prosperity and spiritual growth. Significant and vital changes have evolved since he became Pastor. Specifically, he is accredited for the addition of the steeple to the new sanctuary and the successful campaign to pay off the Church’s mortgage which occurred on July 3, 2015, six years in advance.