HISTORY

Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church History

The Church is of God and will stand the test of time. Originally, there was a Methodist Church here called Davis Chapel. However, a disagreement arose over ownership of the property, and the door was closed against further worship services. But it takes more than that to stop the Church. Soon thereafter people built a Brush Arbor - it was actually across from where Pleasant Grove stands today. Thomas (Tom) Roberts taught Sunday School under that Brush Arbor. Edna Seitz, daughter of John and Pearl Seitz, walked for miles through the woods to hear the Bible taught. She later remarked that "Old Tom Roberts really knew the Word." It was hard to have regular services because of the weather.

In time God gave a vision to Edna Seitz Seabolt of a new church building. She started asking for help from her folks and the people of the community. Soon a building project was begun by Edna's Uncle Winslow Christian and Aunt Agnes, Uncle John and Aunt Elizabeth Thomson, her father and mother. It was called the New Church by the community people. Edna took donations - starting at a nickel. Winslow had a saw mill and gave the pine wood for the building. Two boys in the community gave two dollars each. One was Junior Higgins. The other boy's name was Johnny Seitz, brother to Edna. Both boys left for World War II and never came home. Junior was a pilot who went down in France. Johnny was killed by a German sniper who didn't know the war had ended. 

Work began on a one room building for the church even while 

the war raged. The labor was provided by local men and two good carpenters who were brothers, Frank and Bill Gable. Frank was a Baptist preacher in the community and preached many times at Pleasant Grove. Later in his life, Pleasant Grove held a special service to honor him for his many years of ministry. Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church was founded on July 10, 1943 A.D. The plaque at right is mounted near the front door. 

After the building was completed, a box supper was held to raise money for a piano. Ed Seabolt and Hoyle Fields purchased a Lancaster piano in Gainesville, Georgia. The pulpit and benches came from the Davis Chapel Church. The pulpit has now been restored and stands today in the adult Bible class. The first members of the church were transferred from the Davis Chapel Church. The first new converts were Fannie Bell Seabolt, Lamar Garrett, Boss Garrett and Monie Mooney. Pleasant Grove stands today as a testimony to the faith of a small community of believers who wouldn't give up their Church.

by Betty Jean Seabolt, granddaughter of John and Pearl Seitz, daughter of Edward and Edna Earl Seitz Seabolt