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A letter framed and on display in the church foyer. 

Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church

Written by Ms. Wilma Goff— 1976

Sometimes in the life of most people comes a time when they would like to know where they came from, who they are and where they are going. So it is with those people interested in and connected to Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church. This church had its earliest origin from a revival that took place during sheep shearing time at "The Old Sheep Shed" located between Johns Bayou and Paige Bayou. The men of the surrounding area drove their sheep to this shed to be sheared. Through time, some of their names have been forgotten. Those remembered were: William, Lyons, Dubose, Graham, Rouse, Flurry, Tootle, Roberts, Clark, Carter, Westfall, O 'Neal, Bonds, McMillan, Havens, Ware, Taylor and Ramsay. These people either owned stock, mostly sheep, or worked in the charcoal business

There was an old colored man who lived near this gathering place who also helped with the sheep. His name was Heck. There are those among us who know where his place was located. Heck knew the Lord. He sang spiritual songs and prayed as he worked. After a while he would get happy and start shouting. The Spirit was poured out upon a number of those people and some were converted. So from this great Blessing, Mt. Pleasant Church was born to Witness for Christ. The people probably attended services held in Ebenezer Church located on Johns Bayou. They also met in the homes where they could travel on foot or ox cart. Ebenezer was located near the Dave Rice place, close by an oak grove near Rudy Rice 's present place and Johns Bayou.

Rev. Ervin Roberts stated these facts from his experience in a revival which was probably around the year 1850. Rev. Roberts received his license to preach several years later at the Mississippi Annual Conference of the Episcopal Church South, held in Natchez, MS from November 29 through December 5, 1876

Rev. L. R. Roberts, younger brother of Ervin, was also licensed to preach some years later. He brought some modern ideas into Mt. Pleasant Church while he served some larger charges. He brought many people to Christ. He never tired of visiting and helping his people. He was a dearly loved great preacher. We also pay respectful tribute to Rev. Charley Phillips who was a local preacher and a leader in the Spirit. Rev. Jeff Havens was a strong Christian and meant much as a local preacher. These men lived among the people at this time and some of us remember them or at least some of them. There were others who were outstanding laymen and helped to make the Church great. As the years have gone by, we have seen several other ministers go out from this Church: Rev. John L Carter, Rev, M L Davis,

Rev. Q. C. Roberts Jr., Rev. Wilton Holden, Rev. Dale Lyons. Mt. Pleasant was one among five churches on the Vancleave Charge for many years. The others were Pine Grove, Bonnie Chapel, Red Hill and Vancleave. Since it was such a large area, the Conference put Pine Grove on the Mentoriun Charge. Some years later Vancleave went full time and its minister looked after Bonnie Chapel. Mt. Pleasant went full time and its minister also served Red Hill. This arrangement has worked very well.

The first building known as Mt. Pleasant Church was located near Joe Ware 's Place north of a cemetery near by. About this time we had a remarkable Sunday School with an enrollment of 150 students. Mr. John Westfall was Superintendent. The next building was located between this present building and the Ruble Roberts home. It was in use about 40 years. This present building was completed during the pastorate of Rev. G. P. McKoewn who preached the first sermon in 1907. The Presiding Elder preached the dedication sermon during the same year. This building has been damaged by lightening twice. It was mended and used right on. Sunday School rooms and a kitchen were added. We used it this way for years. Mr. Charley Flemmings designed and built this original building. It was the first in this area with an elevated floor. It has been repaired and renovated and improved for which we are grateful. Beyond this we are most happy to see people brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ here and go on to serve wherever they are called.

Major remodeling of the Church took place in 1974. The inside and outside were improved under the direction of Charley Roberts and H. M. Ludlow. Rev. J.A. Sharp was pastor at this time. A shake shingle roof, vinyl siding and a large copper steeple were the exterior changes. Inside, stained glass windows, paneling, central heat and air conditioning and carpet all added beauty and comfort to the sanctuary. The Sunday School rooms were also remodeled.

Added by someone other than Ms. Wilma at a later time:

Some years later Woody VanDevender and his building crew added one more Sunday School room and built the existing Fellowship Hall. Several years later new pews were purchased, a new alter added and new carpet was installed.