The Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church (nicknamed "The Green") was originally founded by Reverend Quinn in 1901, holding afternoon services in a one-room frame building. The late Reverend Yancey followed Reverend Quinn as pastor. In 1912, the church burned down and was later rebuilt by the late Reverend McKlien at 1251 Nicholas Street. The church remained at the Nicholas location until 1982 when the late Reverend E. L. McKinney built a new edifice to accommodate the exceptional church growth.
From 1901 to 1959, the leadership of the church changed 17 times! Despite this seemingly tumultuous time, the church survived and the congregation continued to "walk in faith."
"We've come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord. Trusting in HIS holy word, HE never failed us!"
In 1959, the late Reverend E. L. McKinney became the 18th pastor of the Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church and the longest-serving pastor of the church. He served for 47 years! During his tenure, the church grew exponentially! A Young Adult Choir was started along with the E. L. McKinney Choir and Pastoral Choir. A Young Adult Usher Board soon followed. Other church ministries included the Loving Sisters Club, a Male Chorus, a Women's Auxillary, the Willing Workers, and a Welfare Fund. Bible study, prayer service, prayer breakfast, and Good Friday services were added.
With a mind to build, Reverend McKinney garnered the support of the church's membership and started "A Pledge Drive for the Building of a New Church!" Sunday, September 5, 1982, was a day of historical proportions for the Church! After several years of preparation, personal sacrifices, and commitment, the congregation proudly marched from 1251 Nicholas Street to 913 Thomas Street into a newly constructed church edifice. Forty years later, the church still stands!
Now, you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 2 Timothy 3: 10 - 11 (NASB1995)
On June 8, 2006, our beloved pastor, the late Reverend Doctor E. L. McKinney entered into a life of eternal peace and rest with the Lord.
On Wednesday, December 18, 2006, Reverend A. J. Williams, Associate Minister, made history, as the first "son" of the Church chosen by the people to shepherd the flock. He was the 19th pastor. Under his leadership, many enhancements were made to the church which included upgrading the microphone system and adding an additional Trustee to the Board. Attendance at Wednesday night bible classes steadily increased. After 14 years of dedicated service as pastor, Reverend Williams resigned the position in 2020.
"And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home." Luke 1:23 (ESV)
The members of the Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church tackled the "bundle of life" and unwrapped it in many ways during these years. The church laughed, cried, shrugged, questioned, wondered, and doubted. BUT, most of all, they "believed" and remained steadfastly committed to God's vision for the body of Christ!
On March 6, 2022, the church welcomed its 20th pastor, the Reverend Trenady Phillips, affectionately called Pastor-P!