Thank you for visiting our web site. We are a small rural church located in Rayle, Georgia approximately 100 miles east of Atlanta, Georgia. The church was founded on June 21, 1874 by a band of baptized believers in Christ. How they came to take the name Pleasant Grove is not known. The church was organized by the late Reverend B. M. Callaway and Reverend S. L. Johnson. The land for the church site was given to the colored people by the late Tom Willis in 1873. The first meeting house was a brush arbor, where services were held until a house could be built. The first building was a log cabin with a homemade altar, benches and a few chairs. The first pastor was Rev. Silas Johnson, who was elected in 1874 and served many years

The log cabin was eventually replaced by a frame building. In later years the present building was erected. Many improvements and additions have been made since this house was built.

Kerosene lamps took the place of the lightwood knots of the brush arbor days. and beautiful electric lights replaced the oil lamps. Gas heaters replaced the old wood stoves. Running water to the church, with drinking fountains replaced the old-time spring and well. Beautiful stained glass windows added elegance to the structure. Inside the building the furnishing are among the best of any country church - a far cry from our humble beginnings.

The first deacons ordained in organizing Pleasant Grove Baptist Church were; Charles Willis, Coleman Bennett, Nathan Grant, and George Maddox.

The first treasurer was Boston Maddox. The first Sunday School superintendent was Nathan Grant, and the first church clerk was West Willis.

Auxiliaries organized were Sunday School, Mother's Board by Rev. D. C. Bell, Willing Workers Club, Missionary Society, Usher's Board by Bro. "Sport" Calloway, Training Union, Floral Club, and Choir by Sister Elbethel Willis in the year 1949 under the pastorate of Rev. C. C. Clayton..