About Us
Discover our rich history and the beliefs that guide our church community.
Church History
Over 135 years of faith, fellowship, and community in Ozark, Alabama
The Founding Years
“Nine charter members came together with a shared vision to establish a spiritual home for future generations.”
December 8, 1888
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church began in the fall of 1888 with a small group seeking a new place to worship. They secured Rev. C.S. Pellam to hold a revival meeting, setting the groundwork for the church. The nine charter members were Mr. and Mrs. George Harris, Mr. Jeff Ezell, Mr. E.M. Matthews, Mr. J.M. Lee, Mrs. Maggie Bowman, Mr. and Mrs. G.B. Langford, and Miss Emma Langford.
Church meetings were held in the Pleasant Grove School House. In 1889, Mr. J.D. Peters agreed to give two acres of land for the church. The land was covered with giant long-leaf pine trees — members cut and hauled them to Peters' sawmill, then built the first church using that very lumber.
Two Front Doors
Custom dictated men enter the left door and women the right, with children in the middle pews. As women gained status in the church, the two doors were replaced by one large entrance.
Summer Revivals
Annual summer revivals drew large crowds. Attendees would gather at Mr. Peters' mill for baptism services, then return for the right hand of fellowship. Those who couldn't fit inside would park their wagon or car near a window to hear the preaching.
October 12, 1894: A deed was granted for the cemetery. A schoolhouse was built on the south corner using lumber from the same land, serving the community until it burned on February 13, 1934 — then rebuilt and used through the 1940s.
Built by the Congregation
Church members built the new church with little hired help. Roy Whitman led carpentry work and Roscoe Tomlin and Curtis Marshall led masonry. Mack Moseley and Espy Chancey donated lumber used to frame the structure, while builders utilized lumber from the original church to finish the basement.
In January 1955, once membership reached 350, a new building was needed. Groundbreaking was held January 19, 1955. Mrs. Emma Paramore — the only living charter member — turned the first spade of dirt.
Milestone Moments
- June 5, 1954: Last wedding in original building
- July 31, 1955: Last service in the old wood church
- August 7, 1955: First service in the new building
Continued Growth
In 1959, church members added a pastorium at a cost of approximately $20,000. In 1966, with increased Sunday School and Training Union enrollment, a two-story brick educational building was constructed with a kitchen and fellowship hall.
A New Chapter
The Modern Era
On February 18, 1973, groundbreaking was held for the current sanctuary, constructed at a cost of $100,232. The basement included a kitchen, fellowship hall, and restrooms — a joint effort of member labor and contractors.
A 1,475-sq-ft addition brought handicap accessible restrooms, a multipurpose room, a 2,000 lb. elevator, and a 500-sq-ft pantry. The parking lot expanded to 24,900 sq ft. A 15-year bank loan was paid off in approximately three years.
Youth Building
Construction began on a Youth Building complete with a full facility kitchen, classrooms, an open basketball court, and restrooms. Youth activities including meals, Bible study, games, and fellowship are now centered in the facility.
Our Beliefs
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church is grounded in these core theological beliefs that shape our worship, ministry, and community.
The Godhead
There is one God, who is infinitely perfect, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is true God and true man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died upon the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice. All who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood. He arose from the dead and is now at the right hand of God as our great High Priest.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a divine person, sent to indwell, guide, teach, and empower the believer, and to convince the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment.
The Bible
The Old and New Testaments, inerrant as originally given, were verbally inspired by God and are a complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men. They constitute the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice.
Man & Sin
Man was originally created in the image and likeness of God but fell through disobedience, incurring both physical and spiritual death. All men are born with a sinful nature, separated from the life of God, and can be saved only through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
Salvation
Salvation has been provided through Jesus Christ for all men. Those who repent and believe in Him are born again of the Holy Spirit, receive the gift of eternal life, and become the children of God.
The Church
The Church consists of all those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, are redeemed through His blood, and are born again of the Holy Spirit. Christ is the head of the body, the Church, which has been commissioned to go into all the world as a witness, preaching the gospel to all nations.
The Local Church
The local church is a body of believers in Christ joined together for the worship of God, edification through the Word of God, prayer, fellowship, proclamation of the gospel, and observance of baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Resurrection & Judgment
There shall be a bodily resurrection of the just and of the unjust — for the former, a resurrection unto life; for the latter, a resurrection unto judgment.
The Second Coming
The second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent and will be personal and visible. This is the believer's blessed hope and a vital truth that is an incentive to holy living and faithful service.