Our History
Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church had its beginning on the last Saturday in June 1836. Under the leadership of Hugh Montgomery, a group of men composed of Jonathan Kemper, William Morgan, Thomas Jones, Jesse Smith, Jesse Stamper, Daniel & Elisha Cobb, C. Duvall, Samuel Mason, John McGibney and Farmer Reese met at the home of Uriah Chandler for the purpose of constituting a place to worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Minutes indicate that twenty-four members presented their letter for membership. Sweet Owen was called Pleasant Ridge in those days and was a thriving community.
Bro. Hugh Montgomery served as the Pastor until 1872 when Bro. Clark Moore Riley was called and held worship services once a month.
Pleasant Ridge was a charter member of the Owen County Baptist Association when it was organized in 1924.
The first Women's Missionary Society was organized in July 1924. The organization remains strong to this day.
After worshiping in the first building (across the road on the corner of Agee Rd. and Sweet Owen Rd.) for 68 years, the membership voted to build a new church building. The present building was erected in 1904, under the leadership of Dr. William McGibney.
Pleasant Ridge has had 38 pastors in 175 years. Our present pastor, David "Milkweed" Wotier was called February 1989.
On August 25, 2011 Pleasant Ridge celebrated it 175th Anniversary. Rev. Morris Trayner was our Guest speaker (PRBC pastor from 1963-1982).
God has set before us a vision - to reach more people with the gospel , to teach the Bible, to minister to the whole man, and to make the church available to the needs of the community. We will "Attempt great things for God; Expect great things from God."