The History of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church

    The original Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church building was erected around 1820.  The log structure burned in 1877 and was replaced with a frame structure.  The present sanctuary is evolved from this structure.  Its sill is solid 12" x 12" yellow poplar.  Two beautiful chandeliers with matching wall lamps purchased from an old Virginia plantation were placed on either side of the pulpit.  In 1937, the chandeliers were converted to electric lighting.  One of the chandeliers now adorns the vestibule.

    In 1941, a hardwood floor was laid in the sanctuary.  Around 1947, a basement was dug under the sanctuary using mules to remove the dirt.  Church services were held in the church as it sat on stilts while the basement was dug.  A concrete floor and walls were poured to form a large room, and a small kitchen was built in one corner.  The educational building was started in 1960.  Added were six classrooms, two restrooms, a choir area, and a large pulpit area.

    In 1963, plans were completed for remodeling the sanctuary and other parts of the church.  The renovations included lowering the ceiling in the sanctuary, the installations of drywall, new windows, indirect lighting, a new floor in the basement, a new kitchen, and electric heat.  New pews were bought by families, church school classes and individuals.

    A building program, in 1968, brought the building to its current appearance.  The sanctuary was bricked, a beautiful colonial style porch was constructed, new sidewalks poured, extensive work done on the parking area, and a 25 foot memorial steeple with a cross was erected.

    Since 1969, several interior changes have occurred.  The sanctuary and some Sunday School rooms have been carpeted.  A central air conditioning and heating system have been installed.    The two restrooms have been remodeled.  Chimes now ring out over the community on Sunday mornings.  On the exterior, a ramp for the handicapped has been added, and new windows in the basement and Sunday School rooms were purchased and installed with donations of members.    The parking lot has been enlarged and paved.  A tower on the front lawn houses a bell donated to the church.

    The church has owned three different parsonage through the years.  The first parsonage was located at 1307 St. Ann Street.  The second was a home at 902 E. 19th Street.  In 1987, the church bought the present parsonage which is located at 5702 Hwy 54 in Philpot, KY.

    Extensive work has been done to repair fallen headstones and fill in where the ground was uneven in the cemetery adjoining the church.

    As Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church continued to grow we became a Station Church in July, 2002.  We are thankful for congregational members who lovingly devote much time and effort to the upkeep and expansion of its facilities.  This continues a tradition the church has enjoyed throughout its existence.  It is a tradition that honors the church, its history, and the work that is carried on there.