Drawn together by faith, imagine those first gatherings under the trees. This is the story of Pleasant Hill Church. Pleasant Hill Church has a rich heritage and beaming pride. Its humble beginnings trace back to the early 1800s. Faithful servants, then known as slaves, gathered under the trees. They formed what would become Pleasant Hill Church.
Before this, they worshipped with white congregants. This was at Lebanon Baptist Church and Roswell Presbyterian Church. Services were observed from balconies. They sat on benches made from logs. One of these benches remains today. It is displayed at Lebanon Church on Crabapple Road in Roswell, Georgia.
In the 1830s, slaves worshipped separately. They congregated as families in their own quarters. Lebanon Baptist Church records reveal that in 1847, Burl Hembree, a Negro slave, was ordained to preach. His brother, Alec, was ordained as deacon. Reverend Burl Hembree is believed to be Pleasant Hill Church’s first pastor. His brother Alec was the first deacon. The Hembree, Grogan, and Smith families were among the first members.
In 1855, land was secured for a cemetery and church for the slaves. It was for the slaves of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. The church was located on Rock Mill Road. Both the church and cemetery were named Pleasant Hill. It was so named because it was on a pleasant hill. It was also far removed from the main road. Today, this site is behind the Roswell Town Center shopping center. Members of Pleasant Hill and Zion Baptist churches are buried at the Pleasant Hill Historical Cemetery.
The new church led to an increase in members. People worshipped there for many years. Over time, most of the original members passed away. Many surviving members moved to the Roswell area. This was largely due to job opportunities. As Roswell grew, members found transportation to the Lebanon location difficult. The members agreed to leave the Lebanon location. They transferred to Roswell as two Baptist churches: Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and Zion Baptist Church. Both churches acknowledge the first church as their own.
Without a place to worship, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church used Dorris Place. This building was owned by a small number of Methodists. On January 5, 1922, a lot was purchased from Brother Murrell Nuckles. Construction for a new church began on August 5 that year. Reverend D.H. Marshall, who served as pastor and carpenter, led the construction. Lumber came from the original church building. It also came from buildings being demolished at Camp Gordon.
A one-room wooden building was completed. Its door faced Pleasant Hill Street. The congregation held Sunday school every Sunday. Services were on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Despite struggles during the depression years, they persevered. Religious training was always provided for all ages. The church was blessed. Membership continued to grow.
In 1954, Reverend J.J. Grogan became pastor. Under his leadership, the present church building was constructed in 1962. The new sanctuary was dedicated in 1963. Reverend B. Joseph Johnson delivered the Entrance Day sermon. It was entitled “God’s Call to Consecration”.
In 1973, property was purchased for a parking lot. It was graveled in 1978. In 1997, Sabin P. Strickland became pastor. Pleasant Hill Church continues its mission under Pastor Strickland’s guidance. The Pleasant Hill Community Center was constructed in 2005.
Reflecting on over 170 years of service, Pleasant Hill Church reaffirms its commitment to the Roswell community. Locations have changed. Members have come and gone. But the sweet spirit of this place has always remained. It is recognized as a pillar in the Roswell community. The church continues to positively impact its community. It plants seeds of greatness.
As we stand here, remember the rich legacy of Pleasant Hill Church. It looks forward to a greater future.