Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

The Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

In the year 1870, some of God's anointed children migrated from Prince George County, near Petersburg, Virginia, and settled in Princess Anne County, Virginia, now called Virginia Beach.  With a desire to serve God in their hearts, and finding it difficult to return to Prince George for worship due to transportation difficulties and the long hard winters, these dedicated people came together to form our beloved church.  Our founding fathers were issued the deed to the original church site at 1925 Kempsville Road 111 years ago, on March 28, 1888.

 

Some of the founding families included the Odom family, the Gaskins family, the Bright family, the Smith family, and the Jennings family.  Many descendants of these families are currently members who represent the third and fourth generations of Pleasant Grove.  They, along with the rest of the PGBC family, continue to be dedicated to spread the good news of the gospel.

 

The church has had only had five pastors in its history. Reverend William Odom was the first pastor who served in 1870. His date of completion is not recorded. He was followed by Reverend E. Smith who led the church from 1910-1939. Reverend Annais Reid served as under shepherd from 1942-1954, and Reverend Leon Freeman served from 1955-1979. In 1979, the Lord sent the present pastor, Bishop William Darryl Scott Sr., who continues to lead the sheep to higher heights and deeper depths in Jesus Christ.

 

Under Bishop Scott's leadership, the following has been established:

 

• The Missions Ministry was expanded to include 10% of the church budget;

• The Christian Education Ministry was expanded to include: Council of Christian Education, Children's Church Ministry, Drama Ministry, Singles Ministry, Athletic Ministry, Chess Ministry, New Members Ministry, Cradle Roll Ministry, and a Girl Scout Troop;

• The Transportation Ministry was established; the church purchased a bus and van;

• The Media Ministry was established and facilitated by Brother Keith Downing;

• The Share Food Ministry was established and facilitated by the Deacons;

• The Marion Gilchrist Women's Ministry was established and facilitated by Sister Hazel Scott;

• PGBC Men's Fellowship was established and facilitated by Rev. Adrian Woodard;

• The Golden Age Ministry was established and facilitated Sister Thelma Sykes;

• The PGBC Community Choir (1981) was facilitated by Chris Doxey;

• The Male Chorus facilitated by Rev. Frank Long and Deacon Michael Johnson.

• The Mass Choir, later renamed the W.D. Scott Chorale, was founded by Bishop Scott.

• The PGBC Summer Day Camp was established under the leadership of Min. of Education, Rev. Vera Cornish.

• In partnership with Regent University's School of Theology, a pilot educational program known as the Continuing Education Initiative (CEI) was initiated to provide academic training to minsters for college credit.  To date, 18 ministers have completed the program;

• "The Spirit of Excellence" television ministry was implemented through too local television stations,  WTKR and WGNT, impacting 2.4 million households;

• The Intercessory Prayer Ministry was established in 1991 and facilitated by Rev. Ervin Vaughan;

• In 1998, the position of Administrative Assistant was instituted, and Rev. T.B. Washington was the first to be appointed;

• The Usher's Ministry greatly increased under the leadership of Sis. Adrian Avery.;

• The church constitution was revised, and a Church Council was implemented.;

• The positions of Minister of Education and Minister of Music Liaison were created in 1996;

• Rev. Herbert Slaughter was appointed to the position of Youth Minister in 1998. 

• The 24 -Hour Prayer Ministry was initiated, and Rev. Brennetta Williams appointed the director in 1999;

• Family Life Ministry was established in 1999 with Revs. Frank and Theresa Long serving as co-directors;

• The LOGOS Prison Ministry was founded by and facilitated by Rev. Angelique Beamon

• The Celebrate Recovery Ministry was implemeted and Brother Lawrence Shaw was appointed as the director;

• Led several teams on foreign mission crusades that included Tanzania, Zambia, Africa,  Japan, and England. 

 

The Insight

 

Deacon Ralph Sheppard recognized that God had a special plan for PGBC and was obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit by offering his land at 2153 Kempsville Road to be purchased by the church. Thirteen acres were purchased ; and on July 2, 1992, ground was broken for our new edifice approximately one half mile south of the original church site. The land was cleared and the footing poured for the church that God commissioned.  On July 2, 1995, we marched into our new edifice,. On November 3, 1996 we dedicated the cornerstone.  We continue the journey to provide greater service to God, our church, and our community.