Reverend S. L. Anthony began meeting with about ten families in 1873 with the hope of bringing the message of salvation to a small community between the larger cities of Birmingham and Bessemer.

Approximately ten years later, in 1883, John Reagan gave two acres of land for a cemetery and what would eventually become Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. The first Church was a log cabin that also served as the community’s first school.

The present sanctuary was built and dedicated in November 1963. Later a family life center was added to further enhance the Church’s ability to reach more people for Jesus Christ. Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church would grow and prosper and continue to serve the citizens of Pleasant Grove and the surrounding communities for over 100 years.

On a cold and windy January day a group, of about 10 people, gathered in Joseph Martin’s home to discuss a need in their community. Although they did not realize it at the time this meeting, held in 1888,  was the fist recorded meeting of what would eventually become Martin Memorial Methodist Church.

Reverend Dr. L.C. Branscomb would lead the organization of the official church. Following a fire Martin Memorial’s fourth and last sanctuary building was constructed in 1926 at a cost of $125,000.

The Church’s goal was to deepen the spiritual life of each member and that their vision be extended to win people as followers of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Church would grow, prosper and serve the citizens of Wylam and the surrounding communities for over 100 years.

Today Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church includes many former members of Martin Memorial Methodist Church. Martin Memorial and Pleasant Grove United Methodist have joined together to better serve Wylam, Pleasant Grove and the citizens of the surrounding communities. When you look around the Sanctuary or Sunday School on Sunday mornings you will see the coming together of two Church Families, both with a rich heritage, to achieve the common goal of growing closer to their Lord and the communities that they serve.

 On an average Sunday approximately 80 members attend Sunday School and over 100 members attend the Morning Service. However, this is just the beginning of how Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church is involved in the community. Look closer and you will see on-going mission projects, the ECDC activities, Boy Scouts, youth services, meals on wheels support and many other activities, both large and small continuously being carried out by the members of the congregation.