Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Brundidge celebrated its 156th Anniversary on Sunday, November 13, 2016. The church has the distinction of being the oldest Missionary Baptist church in Pike County.

The church stands proudly on “the dusty, dirt road” in the Tennille community. The old wooden structure that housed the church membership for many years is concealed by the brick walls of the present-day church. It stands as the heart of church and as a tribute to the early pioneers who planted the church in the wilderness, said Arthur Griffin, deacon.

The anniversary celebration was recognized as “a day we never saw before and will never see again.”

“Today is a time for us to kneel and pray in the old-timey way,” said Michelle Griffin, mistress of ceremonies.

The anniversary celebration recalled the former pastors and deacons of the historic Missionary Baptist church and the Pleasant Hill Pioneers who continue to provide a strong foundation for the church that has provided spiritual nourishment for its members for more than a century and a half.

“Things may not have come when we wanted them but they have come right on time,” said the Rev. Charlie Ladon Foster, church pastor.

Mildred Wilson Jones gave the history of “the church on the little dirt road.”

“Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church has withstood the test of time,” Jones said. “Pleasant Hill had its beginning with our people who sat on the back row of Springfield Baptist Church and those who stood outside below the windows to listen to the Word of God.”

Jones said the early members were eager for the sweetness of the gospel and began to hold their own worship services under a brush arbor in a clearing on the fringe of the wood.

In time, permission was granted for a Missionary Baptist church to be formed. The church building was later constructed on property that had been purchased for the sum of $75.

“The church was formed in 1860 without a shepherd to lead the flock but not without divine guidance,” Jones said.

Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church was organized with a faithful few but with the vision of what would be and with a commitment to never look back.

The Rev. Tirrell Glover was the guest speaker for the 156th Church Anniversary of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. The theme for the celebration was “The Foundation of the Church.”

Deacon Arthur Lee Griffin was recognized for his dedication to his family, to the church and to the Brundidge community. Special recognition was given to the Pleasant Hill Pioneers.