About Us
The historic Pleasant Hill MBC has been a beacon of hope in the McCulloh Community of Valley, Alabama for more than 150 years. We are located near the “Backwaters” one mile from Lake Harding and only minutes from Auburn, Alabama to the west and Columbus, Georgia to the east.
As a church family, we recognize and honor the sacrifices made by our forefathers over a century and a half ago. Today, we faithfully and proudly stand on the shoulders of these determined disciples and praising pioneers of Pleasant Hill’s past.
At PHMBC there are many ministries through which you can put your talents and gifts to work for the Kingdom of God. We are a community involved and socially engaged church. If you are searching for a pleasant place where you can worship and serve God and a place where you can be a part of something bigger than yourself – look no further than the historic Pleasant Hill MBC!
Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church
Over a century ago God planted a seed in the hearts of our forefathers one that sprouted as the need for a church house in the McCulloh Community. Brother Tucker Dunn was an instrumental individual in the efforts to construct the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church held its first services at its original location near the Hallawaka Creek, locally referred to as the backwater.
The congregation requested and voted for building to be moved. There was a two-year conduction period to get the church to its present location in Valley, Alabama.
In 1914, The Sunday School Superintendent was Brother Willie Florence and Sister Babe McCulloh was Assistant Superintendent. Sister Willie Bird McCulloh was an active Sunday School member.
In 1942, Pastor’s Aid was established. Brother C.B McCullohwas president and Brother Andy McCulloh was the church’s clerk.
Pleasant Hill borrowed $3.39 from John McCullough for the continued growth of the church in the year 1943..
In 1946, the preaching salary of Rev. R.C. Gates was $10.00.
Under the leadership and tenure of Rev. R.B. Ford, the entrance and front classrooms of the church were completed.
The Fellowship Hall and the rear classrooms were built by and under the leadership of Rev. L.N. Clark.
In June of 1975, God sent Rev. S.T. Martin to Pleasant Hill. Under his leadership the church building, the classrooms, and the fellowship hall were remodeled.
In September of 1983, the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church family was blessed and proud to have one of their own, Rev. G.C. McCulloh, to be called by God into the ministry. In 1985, Pleasant Hill initiated having worship service with Rev. McCulloh assisting the pastor on 2nd and 4th Sundays.
Under Rev. Martin’s leadership and tenure Brother Jefferson Madden and Brother Othery Hutchinson were ordained as Deacons.
In 1991 with Rev. Martin in failing health, the Lord sent a young shepherd, Rev. Roderick Williams of Atlanta, Ga, to assist Rev. Martin. In 1992, Rev. Martin retired.
On the 3rd Sunday in March of 1992, the Lord called Rev. Roderick Williams to be the pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Under Rev. Williams’s leadership a new roof and steeple, copier, sound system, piano, drum set, carpet, stove, and refrigerator were purchased. Pleasant Hill hired three musicians: Brother Jesse Madden, Bother Delarius Madden and Sister Jeffunda Madden. Under the leadership of the musicians, Pleasant Hill’s Choirs grew in number and sang beautifully. Under Rev. William’s leadership, Brother Samuel Ross was ordained as a deacon.
December of 1995 Rev. Roderick Williams resigned as pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
May of 1996, Rev. Tyrice Holt of LaGrange, GA was called to be the pastor of Pleasant Hill. Through Rev. Holt’s testimony and preaching the church’s membership increased significantly. During his tenure the church purchased a security system, cushioned pews, designer windows, front entrance ramp, kitchen cabinets, furniture for the pastor study, choir robes, sound system, television and video cassette recorder for the nursery, and central heat and air unit.
In 1998 Mrs. Elizabeth Andress, daughter of the late Mr. Hugh Byrd, donated land to the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
Sunday, September26, 1999, Pleasant Hill voted to pay off the church’s mortgage.
November 1999, Brother Joe Wimberly preached his first sermon.
The year 2000 was a year of prosperity for Pleasant Hill as financial stability was at an all time high. Some of our accomplishments were as follows: paving the bottom parking lot, purchasing a cornerstone, and purchasing a new drum set.
The 2nd Sunday in September of 2000, Brother Jeffery McCauley and Brother Lewis Reed announced their calling into the ministry.
November of 2000, Brother Jeffery McCauley preached his first sermon.
December of 2000, Brother Lewis Reed preached his first sermon.
The Lord continued to pour out blessing in 2001. February 25, 2001, under the leadership of Rev. Tyrice Holt, Brother Jason Madden, Brother Ronnie McCulloh, and Brother Ray Dunn were ordained as deacons.
April of 200, Pleasant Hill underwent major renovations expanding the fellowship hall’s dining area to a seating capacity to fit 125 individuals, enlarging the kitchen, and building a new ladies restroom.
October of 2005, Pleasant Hill purchased two new vans. Deacons Ronnie McCulloh, Callie Davis and Samuel Ross served as drivers.
May of 2006, Pleasant Hill received a metal roof renovation.
Early in the year 2007, the Food Box Ministry was established to serve as monthly distributing. This ministry was overseen by Sister Annie Ross.
August of 2008, Deacon Frankie Hutchinson Sr. announced his calling into the ministry. He preached his first sermon in September of 2008.
On May 15, 2016, after pasturing for 20 years, Rev. Tyrice Holt submitted his letter of resignation.
On Saturday, December 2, 2016, The Lord sent Rev. James S. Hill to serve as Pastor.
On Sunday, December 4, 2016, Rev. Hill preached his first sermon as Pastor of Pleasant Hill of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
Under Pastor Hill’s leadership, Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church’s focus was renewed on Loving, Learning and Leading for Jesus Christ. The church adopted Pastor Hill’s God-given vision to become a Church that is maturing from a mere membership mentality to a Discipleship disposition. Through Pastor Hill’s preaching and teaching, Pleasant Hill has extended the Right Hand of Fellowship to nearly two dozen new and added members. as of December 2017.
God planted the need for an established Mother’s Board ministry at Pleasant Hill on the heart of Following the leadership of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Hill instituted Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church's Mother's Board Ministry. After much prayer and consideration, the Lord led Pastor Hill to select five of the church’s dedicated Seasoned Saints. On Sunday, March 11, 2018, an installation and consecration service was held officially establishing the Church's Mother's Board Ministry.
Since Pastor Hill’s arrival, sick and shut-in visitations are a top priority. Youth and teenage Sunday school rooms have been painted, reopened, and classes are being taught. Additionally, Pastor Hill has led the church in a financial overhaul with refinancing the mortgage on the church’s fellowship hall which saves the church thousands per year. Pastor Hill led the Church in establishing a Scholarship Fund for the Church's youth pursuing higher education. Sunday School accounts and savings accounts have been established as well. Improvements to the church’s structure and grounds are presently underway. The church hired professional landscapers to work on the aesthetics of the church property. Pleasant Hill also constructed a cross which stands at the entrance of the church.
Past pastors
Rev. B.P. Patrick, Rev. Botts. Rev. K. Thomas, Rev. F. Huguley, Rev. Ramsey, Rev. J.C. Patrick, Rev E.D. Sims, Rev. James, Rev. W. Servant, Rev. R. Lewis, Rev. R.C. Gates, Rev. R.B. Ford, Rev. L.M. Clark, Rev. S.T. Martin, Rev. R. Williams, Rev. T. Holt, Rev. James S. Hill
Past Deacons
Dan Florence, Saul Rudge, C.B. McCulloh, Carl Murphy, Charlie Truitt, Elijah McCulloh, Robert Sterling, Alfred McCulloh, Ocie L. McCulloh, Mark McCulloh, Andy McCulloh, John McCulloh, John Murphy, Caesar Murphy, Robert Floyd, George C. McCulloh, Othery Hutchinson, Frankie Hutchinson, Franklin Burton, Marcus Posey, Callie Davis, Michael Wynn, Jim Pollard, and Amos Smith Jr..
Deacons presently serving
Dea. Ronnie McCulloh, Dea. Samuel Ross, Dea. Jefferson Madden and Dea. Wallace Madden.