There is an overriding theme to the rural churches of Simpson County – they were born out of necessity as people traveled by foot, horseback or in wagons during the early 1900’s.
Pleasant Valley Baptist Church found in the Merit Falls community is no exception. According to its published history compilation, it was organized on June 13, 1909, at the Merit School House. Services then were held monthly rather than weekly.
It initially began with eight members but grew quickly to 34 by 1910. The first pastor, Reverend Farmer, was paid an annual salary of a $100!
Pleasant Valley continues to serve the Merit community with an average Sunday attendance of 70-80. During Covid the numbers fell to 40-50. The church continues to rebound, however, and has also reinstated Sunday services and other regular gatherings.
Dr. Frank Harmon currently serves as pastor. He and his wife Nancy travel from Brandon on Sundays for Bible study at 10:30 a.m., worship service at 11:30 a.m. and evening service at 6 p.m. Harmon was initially a supply pastor and then was asked to serve as interim. Not long after, the congregation asked him to serve as their pastor. He has led the church now for eight years but admits that at 77 he had not planned on serving in such a capacity.
Only recently was the original wood frame sanctuary torn down. According to Lavell Chalk, the first church was built from materials found in the local wooded area. His wife Elizabeth grew up in the area and used to walk to Pleasant Valley. Together they have been members for 69 years.
While the old building was deteriorating and could pose a hazard, Harmon points out it contained many memories that need to be honored. “God’s House is important to God; it ought to be important to us. All through the Scripture… you start out with the tabernacle and you look all through the Scripture, God’s place of worship has always been important to Him. He instructed how to build it many times. We need to understand how important it is. And it’s important to people. And that place was important. And I need to recognize that as pastor here.”
There are plans to commemorate the old sanctuary sometime this year.
The current sanctuary was built in 2002 as part of a multipurpose building that also contained a fellowship hall, kitchen and Sunday School classrooms under the direction of then pastor Earl Clark, Chalk’s son-in-law. Work was completed in 2003 and a dedication service held August 17, 2003.
The mission of Pleasant Valley is to reach people for Jesus, Harmon said, adding, “Once we reach them we want to educate them, train them, and develop them as Christians. Once we’re saved we don’t stop. Evangelism is good…we’re not reaching as many as we should. And no church is. We need to develop those that are here and teach how to hack it on Monday. That’s what we have to do – teach people how to live a Christian life on a daily basis.”
Harmon believes that strong preaching and Bible teaching are necessary to train Christ followers. “We have neglected through the years to actually teach the Bible. Strong churches are strong because their membership knows the Bible. That’s what it’s all about. Churches that get in trouble do so when we begin to think that we know more than the Bible.”
Sunday morning Harmon dedicates to preaching which he says calls people to make a decision, while Sunday evening is reserved for teaching that provides the believer with knowledge. He usually takes a book from the New Testament and all in attendance participate in Bible study. In the last few months, however, Harmon has shown the first two seasons of The Chosen. “It’s been a really good thing for our evening service. I tell our group they’re getting more Bible and Scripture than I would be doing in a sermon.”
Harmon considers Pleasant Valley Baptist Church to be the friendliest church ever. “I’ve pastored a lot of churches and this is it. People love you; people care for you. We want you here. We worship here in a real way. It is a family church. They have been very gracious, good and kind to me. It’s a good way to end 50 years of ministry. I’ll be here till I can’t do it anymore if they’ll let me.”
