Gleason Cumberland Presbyterian Church

In 1865 the first church was organized in Gleason. The church was the Oakwood Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The meetings were held on the lower floor of the Masonic hall, and Reverend E. B. Johnson served as the first pastor.

Some interesting comments in regard to the Oakwood Church were found in the personal diary of  H. C. Johnson:

September 30, 1873: Met the session at Oakwood, only three of seven elders present. Religion is cold at this place.

March 1874: Regular time for preaching, but not able. May the Lord keep them all from evil.

June 1874: Went to Gleason and preached. This is the beginning of my protracted meeting. The meeting continued in the spirit of great power for sixteen days. The church rejoiced much and 32 or 33 made professions of the religion of Jesus.

After ten years in the Masonic Hall, the congregation built a new frame building. Records show that at the first service when the chandelier was lighted, it fell to the floor; and the new building was burned to the ground. Soon afterwards, a new building, which remained in use for ninety years, was erected across the railroad tracks, but was not dedicated until December 4, 1982. In 1889, Hopewell Presbytery had approved the name change from Oakwood to Gleason Cumberland Presbyterian Church, since the name of the town had been changed to Gleason.

It is known that the Gleason church was one of the most active in town in the years from 1900 to 1925. In those years the membership totaled more than one hundred and fifty members. Many tent revivals were held as a joint meeting of all the churches and with a lot of good results. Some of the families that were active during those years were: Richees, Heaths, Rushings, Terrells, Dunlaps, Drewerys, Brummitts, Tranthams, Bynums, Cravens, and Castlemans.

Baxter Rucker has served as Clerk of Session since February 1959. Since 1974, Paul and Edith Rushing have served as Treasurer of the church and Leon Purvis has served as Song leader since 1961. The late Reverend O. A. Gardner  holds the distinction of being the pastor for the longest period of time.

The present pastor is the Reverend George E. Butler who has served the church since November 7, 1976. He, his wife Lucille, Barnhart Butler and his son Robert are natives of Camden, Arkansas. Soon after accepting the pastorate, Bro. Butler realized the need for a new building program. Under the leadership of Pastor Butler and with the very able contractor, Wilfred Bond of Dyer, the congregation moved into a new building located on New Highway 22 at Crestview on July 4, 1982. A dedication service for this debt free building was held on Sunday afternoon, November 6, 1983, with open house and a reception in the Rushing Fellowship Hall, named for two faithful member who have belonged to the church for more than fifty years. These two members were Paul Jones Rushing and wife, Edith Dunlap Rushing, the same two who gave the land and matched funds for the new building without which the venture would not have been possible. They first fellowship dinner in the new building was a "victory barbeque dinner" given by Roy and Mary Elizabeth Travillian. Guests at the victory dinner were those who had contributed to the building fund.

The present church has a steeple erected in memory of  Ray Dellinger, an elder from 1952 until his death in 1980 which was made possible by friends and relatives who contributed to a Memorial Fund. In the sanctuary is a lighted cross, a baptismal font, and a matching flower stand all built by Joe Pachil, another elder in the church. A lovely framed crocheted Lord's Prayer wall plaque, made by the late Mary Newberry Fowler, hangs in the foyer. A mural of Noah's Arc painted by Tuva Page Stephens occupies one wall of the nursery. Three pews from the old church have been preserved, and Mary Elizabeth Owen Travillian had these refinished and made cushions for them.

It was in 1958 that the remaining membership of the New Hope Church transferred to the Gleason Church which became the legal trustee of the New Hope building and Grounds. Then, on August 29, 1984, the Mt. Zion Church officially transferred to the Gleason church becoming an integral part of the congregation. Although the active membership of the combined church is only sixty-five, the church provides a manse for the pastor's family, pays presbyterial dues, maintains limited outreach and contributes to all other programs of the church, including the support of the Memphis Theological Seminary and Bethel College of McKenzie, Tennessee.

All fifty year or more members, who have been named the "Gold Members" are:

 

1914 - Katherine Trantham Dickey 1915 - Marie Rushing Dunlap 1919 - Annie Heath Brawner 1919 - Mary Heath Brummitt 1920 - Sudie Brooks Cravens 1921 - Paul Jones Rushing 1921 - William Vernon Richee 1922 - Rubye Richee Taylor 1922 - Hattie Jackson Trantham 1924 - Lillie Mae Heath Rucher 1924 - Edith Dunlap Rushing 1926 - Opal Richee Dellinger 1926 - Lois Health Cravens

Gleason First Baptist Church History

On December 10, 1879, James Smyth sold one acre for $50 to the Gleason Baptist Church. The deed was recorded on February 2, 1880, at 4.20 P.M. This one acre is the present site of the Gleason First Baptist Church.

In the fall of 1887, the initial Weakley County Association was begun. Gleason Missionary Baptist Church was one of the charter members of the association and is listed in the first minutes. In a report in 1969, it was thought that this church was organized in 1888. However, since the church was a charter member of the association in the fall of 1887, it is likely that the church was organized in the latter part of 1887.

The first pastor found recorded is S.C. Hearn, the pastor in 1888. One hundred and fifty dollars a year is the first mentioned salary for a pastor here at Gleason church. At the time the church was meeting only once a month.

The messengers sent to the associational meeting in 1889 were J. W. Boone and W. T. Davis. At that time the church was having preaching on third Sunday only. In 1888, there were no baptisms, no one was received for membership, there were no deaths, and one member was dismissed. The total membership of the church was 33, and the associational minutes recorded the contribution of this church as $1.00. However, the entire association, consisting of 21 churches contributed only $22.75.

The church entertained the Weakley County Baptist Association in 1892. We entertained the association again in 1949, 1959, 1965, and 1986.

The frame building which had served as the church building was bricked in about 1924 while Bro. T. G. Shelton was pastor.

On July 1, 1922, the church decided to have a "house cleaning" by disbanding. They reorganized the same day. and the charter members of the newly organized church were Mrs. Birdie Hamilton, Mrs. Polk Smith, Mrs. Bettie McCaleb, Mrs. Claud Wilson,  Mr. and Mrs. G. Z. Summers, Era J. Summers, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Brundige, Mr. and Mrs. A. V. Allmon, R. T. Taylor, Will Spain, John T. Jones, and Mr. and Mrs. A. V. Trevathan. They voted to keep the name of "Gleason Missionary Baptist Church". Bro. W. E. Chadwick was pastor at t his time and was elected to pastor the church after it was reorganized. He is still living at the time of this writing. Bro. A. V. Allmon was elected church clerk at this same meting and served in this office until his death Oct. 14, 1979. L. Jack Dunning was elected at this time and is still serving in this office. Mr.  A. V. Allmon and Mr. J. B. (Pete) Brundige became deacons June 1, 1924. Mr. Pete Brundige remained a deacon (inactive) of the church until his death.

In 1947, the present auditorium was build and Sunday school rooms were fixed in the older building.  Bro. R. J. Cooper was pastor at this time. In the mid 1950's, while Bro. Aubert Rose, Jr. was pastor, the section of the church building that includes the basement and balcony were added. On May 5, 1961, a piece of land was purchased from J. W. Motheral. In that same year the first part of the present educational building was constructed. Bro. Robert Campbell was pastor at this time. On April 20, 1964, another block of land was purchased by the church from J. W. Motheral heirs. Bro. Robert Campbell was pastor. In 1977, the sanctuary was remodeled and stained glass windows made possible through memorial were added.

Gleason First Missionary Baptist Church met in a special called business meeting Nov. 2, 1980, and voted to build the newest addition to the educational building. Bro. Kenneth Roberts was pastor at this time.

Gleason First Baptist Church has Ordained and Licensed the Following Men to Preach the Gospel:

 

1949 - Ralph Allmon (Septermber 10th) 1970 - Jerry Dunn (November 22nd) 1973 - Dean Doster (June 24th) 1980 - Floyd (Lammie) Lammersfield ( February 3rd) 1980 - Don Bullock ((February 17th) 1985 - Robert Tuck (October 20th)

The present membership is 439 including resident and non-resident members.

Record of Ministers to Gleason First Baptist Church:

 

Note. Ministers of Gleason First Missionary Baptist Church Prior to 1916 include:: C. C. Hearn C. C. McDearman W. F. Matheny G. T. Mayo G. H. Stigler M. E. Wooldrige B. F. Smith D. S. Brinkley A. S. Hall

1916 - C. H. Felts 1918 - H. T. Jones 1920 - J. H. Anderson 1922 - W. E. Chadwick 1924 - T. H. Shelton 1925 - C. H. Felts 1927 - R. E. Bledsoe 1928 - H. A. West 1932 - V. A. Rose 1935 - W. A. Gough 1936 - W. A. Farmer 1940 - R. C. Keathley 1941 - Gordon DePriest

1944 - James Williams 1945 - R. J. Cooper 1949 - Marvin Miller 1954 - Aubert Rose, Jr. 1956 - Hilliard Goode 1959 - Robert Campbell 1965 - Deryl Watson 1970 - James Smith 1972 - Henry Inmon 1974 - T. Lynn Walker 1977 - Kenneth Roberts 1987 - Chris Ward

Deacons of Gleason First Missionary Baptist Church Since 1918:

J. H. Jones (1918); S. D. Summers (1918); H. H. Dunn (1918); L. E. Duke (1924), J. B. Brundige (1924); A. V. Allmon (1924); Silas Haskins (1931); Tom Cate (1931); L. E. Sandifer (1931); J. H. Logan (1941); J. A. Darnell (1941); Ralph Allmon (1947); H.A. Stoker (1947; Scott Ross (1947); Bernice Terrell (1947);  Malcom Reed (1953); Clarence Reed (1951); Finis Trentham (1953); Thomas Allmon (1955); Joe Huey Hamilton (1955); Doyle Capps (1955); Harold Pinkley (1955); l. Jack Dunning (1957); Raydean Verdell (1960); Junior Watts (1960); Jerry Dunn (1963); Jack Phelps (1963); Lyndell Sawyers (1967); Dean Doster (1972); Rupert Pritchett, Jr. (1972); Bill Brush (1974); Jackie Esch (1974); Robert Tuck (1978); Floyd Lammersfield (1978); Ronnie Dale Bates (1980); John Jones (1982); Grover Jennings (1982); Timothy Ray Peery (1982)

Gleason Church of Christ

We have no record or knowledge of there ever being a true Church of Christ located in the town of Gleason prior to June 1948. In June 1948, the Macedonia Church of Christ sponsored a mission Gospel Meeting held in a tent on the campus of Gleason High School, the preaching being conducted by Brother G. E. Woods. This series of meetings was well attended by members of neighboring congregations and by about fourteen living in Gleason at that time who had no local church affiliation. On June 27, 1948, we met regularly at the American Legion building each Sunday at 2:00 P. M. for a period of nineteen weeks. The first assembly was preached by Garvin Brundige.

On November 7, 1948, the congregation  began meeting in a newly acquired building, purchased by the Gleason congregation thought the assistance of Brother Dick Adams of the Macedonia congregation, consisting of  residential property situated on the lot where the present church building is located. During a period of several months, the congregation met in a vacant building on Front Street owned by Mr. Pete Taylor who  gladly granted the use rent free.

According to church records, the first year of operation of the Gleason congregation shows an average attendance of 47 and an average contribution of $36.00. During the first few months, there were more visitors that local members, due to the fact that there were only 14 local members, and the 2:00 P.M. meeting time allowed other congregations to attend.

The Gleason church was partially supported by several churches in Weakley County and by the Jackson Avenue church of  Memphis from its earliest beginning in 1947 continually thru December 1954, as which time it became self supporting.

The Gleason church did not have the services of a full time minister until 1948 when Brother Edward I. Harper moved to Gleason and began serving the congregation as full  time resident minister. Bro. Basil Overton came in 1950 till 1952.

The Gleason church has shown a slow but steady growth since 1948. In 1968 - 1969, there were 82 members with an average contribution of $130.00.

In 1976, the church bought the preacher's home beside the church (old Baptist parsonage) and in 1978, new classrooms were added to the church building. The church parking lot was paved in 1980, and the front porch entrance was built in 1985.

In  1986, there were 90 members with an average attendance of 76 and an average contribution of $490.00

Gleason United Methodist Church

During the years 1868 and 1869 many people were disturbed and unsettled because of the ravages of the Civil War and were casting about for quietude and a place to establish a new home.

The village grew beyond all expectations. The town and church grew up together. The church was already established in the hearts of a small group of persons of kindred spirits who felt a dire need for fellowship in service and worship of the true God, the Creator of all things. Family alters were already established in a few of their homes. Having no church did not deter the small but devout group of people in their earnest endeavor to secure a permanent place to worship. As a rule these sturdy settlers were poor. They possessed very little of what the world calls wealth. They knew nothing of the labor-saving devices of today, yet they were happy and contented. Though they were engaged in strenuous labor day by day, their voices echoed and re-echoed in refreshing strains o'er hill and vale as they wielded the hammer, pushed the saw or the plane, or walked in the fresh soft earth as they followed the trail of a crude plow drawn by a slow plodding mule. This peace and security of mind was the result of regular seasons of fervent prayer.

Revivals, called "spiritual feasts" were held occasionally in neighboring communities. As much of the daily work as possible was suspended. The two horse wagon, the only means of conveyance at that time, loaded to capacity with neighbors and friends, made their way to both day and night services. These services were a means of grace that brought the earnest worshippers into closer fellowship and communion with their Lord; they were not wholly immune to criticism and persecution.

The time had now come when they could no longer meet in their homes for worship as they had been doing. They had increased in number. Their fellowship had been sweet; they worked and worshipped together. In sickness or distress they were present to render every service possible to alleviate suffering and to supply the need for comfort and pleasure of the sick. These sincere worshippers had grown steadily in grace and knowledge of the Giver of Abundant Life. Now, they must find a larger place to meet.

The first place for worship was  three-fourths miles west of the little  town of Gleason. Perhaps, it was in an open space in the shade of the stately oaks, with the beautiful blue sky for a roof over their heads, the soft verdant earth for a carpet beneath their feet. Somewhere in this vicinity stood a little Methodist Protestant Church. It is thought to be the first meeting place outside their home. After some time, the little assembly moved to a cotton gin, when not in use, across the road from Mr. Polk Alexander's double log house. In autumn, this  group found a ready welcome in the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church for services. This was a two-story structure. It was used as a Masonic Hall, for worship on weekends and as a school room during the weekdays. After a period of time, this building being in need of extensive repair, was torn down. The present Cumberland Presbyterian Church took its place on a different lot.

The "Roving Methodists," as they were called, now had no place to worship. The Missionary Baptist people kindly invited them to use their building. They gladly accepted their invitation. At this time, the four denominations of the town had only one Sunday each in a month for worship. The people of all creeds came together as if they were all of one name and faith. All differences were forgotten.

While everyone was deeply grateful for every courtesy shown them, they were determined to have a permanent meeting place. Every legitimate means was used to accomplish their desire. The men furnished timber and labor to build a church building. The women were not idle. The youth of this congregation were eager to help. Some solicited money to buy a bell to call the people together to worship.

Finally, a new frame building was being erected on the plot of ground donated by Mr. A. M. Smith and wife. This plot of ground was west of the N & N Railroad and contained one-half acre, more or less. This ardent group was so overjoyed to have a permanent place to worship, they did not wait for the building to be finished. As soon as the floor, roof and outside walls were partly completed, they moved in for regular worship. Since there were  no seats, piles of unused lumber provided for that need. Mrs. Nan Burnett, Mrs. Polk Alexander's mother, taught the first Sunday School Class. She brought a chair and a song book from home and The Methodist Catechism, a little book of questions and answers on the bible, was their literature. This faithful group seemed to take on a new life in their service of song, prayer and praise as they realized they soon would be duly organized and have an appointed leader.

The church was soon completed. The goal of their hard work and planning had been reached. Their gratitude to God for His goodness, unending mercy and guidance through all their endeavors was beyond the power or words to convey.

The church was officially organized December 27, 1875, with Dr. and Mrs. J. W. Bandy and their son, R.W. Bandy. Mr. A.D. Bobbitt, Mrs. Nan Scott (Phelps), Mr. H. Health, Mr. Thomas Walters, Mr. William Bragg, Dr. G. H. Burnett, and B.F. Watts as Charter Members. This church became a part of the McKenzie Circuit with Rev.  H. B. Covington as pastor until 1879. The pastor was called "The Circuit rider". He served four churches and rode a horse to his appointment. There was no parsonage, so he spent Saturday night in the home of some of his members. It was considered an  honor and a benediction to have the minister in the home. Each district had a  Presiding Elder. He with the Stewards of each church on the circuit, together with the pastor,  met quarterly to attend to business pertaining to the churches.

In 1880, Gleason Circuit belonged to the Paris District. Then in 1885, the Paris District became the McKenzie District again. This was a very fruitful period in spirituality and in numbers. In 1888, the McKenzie District became the Paris District again.  An additional plot of land was purchased from Mr. Harrison Health in 1888. This one and one-half acre plot of land is the present church site today.

In 1889, Rev. C. C. Bell and Rev. McClusky, Cumberland Presbyterian minister, held one of the  greatest revivals of this church. During this revival, one of the farmer's wives was so anxious to attend church services that she hurriedly dressed and took a short cut through the field to the church. She arrived on time, but she was amazed to find that she was wearing her dress wrong side out. Many of the ladies were so eager to hear the gospel that they frequently forgot to remove  their cook aprons until they entered the church.

In 1890, during the last year of Rev. C. C. Bell's ministry, our first organ was bought with money collected by Misses Ione Alexander,  Mattie Bandy and others. Miss. Mattie Bandy became the organist and served in this capacity for seventeen years.

In 1895, the Epworth League, a very strong active body, was organized for training young people in Christian work. The young people and children of the town, not just the Methodist, took active part. The grown-ups had change  of the children's classes. These meetings were held on Sunday afternoon.

About  1904, Mt. Hermon and Olivet became a part of Gleason Circuit with Gleason and Liberty. Later El Bethel took Mt. Herman's place. Gleason Circuit consisted of Gleason, Liberty, El Bethel, and Olivet until 1929 when Gleason was made a station.

In 1907 and 1908, the former church building was erected. The old church was sold for $50.00. The pews from the old church building were used in the new one until about 1942. These were replaced by new ones including the pulpit chairs. Eight of these pews are in memory of Mrs. George Brummittt, Mr. and Mrs.  S. L. Costen, Mrs. Mollie Bobbitt, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Duke, R. and Mrs. R.W. Bandy, Mr. and Mrs. Polk Alexander, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Smyth and Mrs. Fannie Dinning. The Bible was a gift from Mrs. Hugh McCain, the former Miss. Ione Alexander on September 17, 1937.

In 1909, the first parsonage, a frame building, was erected. The money for this project was acquired by the women of the church who pledged their Sunday ice cream suppers and personal gifts. Other funds for the project were raised by the men in timber. Labor and money. Mr. A. M. Smyth and L. T. Smyth, his wife, donated the land for the parsonage of the 22nd day of March, 1909.

The Willing Workers Class were instrumental in starting  a Church School Building Fund. An electric organ, sponsored by the Wesleyan Service Guild, was later purchased. The organ was dedicated on July 11, 1954.

Construction  on the new education building began in 1956, and the first floor was completed in 1957. Final construction on the second floor was completed in 1960.

In 1963, the church received notification that Mrs. E. S. Craig had given a $5,000 memorial to the church. The memorial was in memory of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Polk Alexander. The money was to be placed in the church's building fund for the erection of a new sanctuary in the future.

In 1968, the church's name was changed to the United Methodist Church after union with the United Evangelical Brethren Church. In February the official name became First United Methodist Church of Gleason.

A certified kindergarten was begun on November 1, 1971, with Mrs.  Dale Windsor as teacher. This class continued to meet in the fellowship hall until a public school kindergarten was begun at Gleason School in the fall of 1973.

The church celebrated its centennial on December 27, 1975. A centennial book was prepared by the ladies of U. M. W. which included the brief history of the church from its founding on December 27, 1875 to December 27, 1975. Dr. W. S. Evans preached the sermon on the morning of the centennial observance followed by a fellowship luncheon and gospel singing in the afternoon. The church was filled to capacity with many former members returning. Several generous gifts were made to the building fund bringing the total to date at $61,319.55.

At the October 1975 meeting of the Administration Board, the board approved by a voice vote of 9 yea to 3 nay to have a charge conference of the entire membership of the church to vote on tearing down the old sanctuary and constructing a new sanctuary using the architects plans adopted in 1968.  At the charge conference held on Sunday morning June 27, 1976, the vote was almost unanimous with only eleven "no's" not to build a new sanctuary.

The demolition of the old structure built in 1908 was begun on July 12, 1976. The church bell was retained along with the stained glass windows to be used in the new structure which was completed in December 1976. The first service was held on January 23, 1977, when  the Altar Cross and Altar Candles were transferred from  the temporary meeting for worship in  the fellowship hall to the new altar in the new Sanctuary. A brief service was concluded with the ringing of the old church bell which had been mounted on a new brick structure on the lawn of the new facility. This was the realization of a dream begun in the Fidelis Sunday School Class who started the building fund many, many years earlier.

Funds to retire some $68,000 debt were raised from the membership and a consecration service service was held on April 23rd, 1987, with Bishop Earl. G. Hunt, Rev. Edward Crump and Rev. Jerry Bynum conducting the consecration service. An attendance record was set on that Sunday with 315 members, former members, former pastors, and guests present.

The debt was completely paid by December 1979, but the official dedication service was not held until April of 1982 with Bishop Edward Tullis and Rev. Stanley Waldon in charge of the service.

All the interior furnishings: altar, pulpit, lectern, nave pews, choir pews, baptismal font, clergy pews, altar cross, hymnals, pew Bibles, chime system, outside lighting, flame and cross emblem with church name, choir director's music stand, and silk flower arrangements were given in memory or in honor of church members, friends, and families of Gleason community and First United Methodist Church.

In the spring of 1986, a new Allen Digital Computer Electronic Organ was purchased by the church after receiving a substantial bequeath from the estate of Ms. Willie D. Klutts. A fund raising organ concert was held on the evening of March 2, 1986, when gifts in memory or honor of members were given to completely retire the balance of indebtedness on the organ.

A substantial memorial gift in memory of Mr. A. E. Carney was given to the church by Mrs. Vida Carney to be used to pave the driveway behind the church and beside the parsonage. This gift and money from the church's memorial fund was used to complete the project. A shelter to protect worshippers who wish to enter through the back entrance is being planned for construction some time in the future.

The membership now stands at 210 with an average offering of $1,100.00.

[A note about the bell that now stands on the lawn of the new United Methodist Church]

During the early days in Gleason, the bell that now stands on the lawn of the new United Methodist Church tolled if a death occurred in the community; only one stroke at intervals of a few seconds was sounded preceding the funerals. This bell hung in the belfry of the old Methodist Church and is still rung on special occasions such as when our church debt was paid off.

Pastors of Gleason United Methodist Church: 1875 - 1987

 

1875  H. B. Covington 1880  R. R. Nelson 1881  J. H. Witt 1884  R. L. West 1987  R. E. Humphrey           G.W. Banks 1888  R. E.. Bell 1891  J. J. Witt 1892  H. B. Owens 1893  J. T. Wiggins 1895  E. S. Harris 1896  C. A. Waterfield 1897  Cleanth Brooks 1898  A. D. Maddox 1899  J. W. Joyner 1903  E. J. W. Peters 1906  R. P. Duckworth 1910  J. S. Renshaw 1911  S. R. Hart 1912  W. T. Holley 1916  S. A. Martin 1917  J. C. Cason 1919  T. H. Dacis 1920  J. E. Underwood 1922  W. P. Pritchard 1923  I. M. King 1924  J. E. Jones

1925  M. C. Yates 1928  W. S. Evans            C. A. Waterfield 1929  L. L. Jones 1932  H. W. Davis 1934  K. G. Dunn 1937  E. V. Underhill 1940  Paul T. Lyles 1943  Ray Pafford 1945  E. W. Maxedon 1948  J. B. Underwood 1952  Charles A. Tripp 1953  Wilson E. Jones 1954  Edgar D. Farris 1957  J. W. Summers 1960  Paul Eubanks 1963  Wayne Fesmier 1965  Bevington Farnsworth 1968 Charles Ward 1969  A. H. McLeod, Jr. 1971  Paul Jones 1975  Jerry Bynum 1978 Charles Brady 1980 Stanley Waldon 1986  Glenn Elliot 1987 Jack Dickerson

Members of the Methodist Church who have entered into the ministry are Henry Trevathan, 1931 (was a Chaplin in the Navy); Frank L. Daniel, 1945' Tommy Bullock, 1957; Jerry Johnson, 1974.

Pleasant Valley Church

In the year 1840, a log church was standing about one hundred yards south of Spring Creek called Pleasant Valley. This location was west of old Highway 22, about half way between McKenzie and Gleason. The log building's entrance was one front door on the north side. There were three or four windows with small panes on each side. The pulpit was an old time high pulpit, behind which was an open and shut window. The pews were two rows of split seats. There was no piano or organ. When large rains came, the water would rise on the floor of the church. About the year 1886, the Rev. Emsley Plummer was the pastor. The Rev. Priest must have followed him as pastor, and a Rev. West also served as pastor at about this time.

About 1888, the church sold its log building to Mr. Jim Gardner, and a new frame building was erected. The new building was located about one hundred feet from the site of the old church on the opposite side (west) of the road leading to the church.

This building had a door on each side of the front. The windows were large four-pane windows. The pulpit was in the center, with a small stand on either side. No windows were in the back of the building. The pews were placed in three rows with "Amen" and "Awomen" corners. Kerosene lamps swinging on pulleys, lighted the church. There were also wall lamps and a few candles used.

Some of the pastors who have served the Pleasant Valley church include the following:

 

Rev. A. D. Mattox Rev. John Witt Rev. Jolley Rev. M. T. Lowe Rev. J. C. Rudd Rev. T. P. Riddick Rev. N. W. Lee Rev. J. L. Weaver Rev. A. D. Mattox Rev. R. W. McDaniel Rev. Albert Wilson

about 1894 about 1898 unknown about 1902 about 1903 about 1908 about 1912 about 1915 about 1915 about 1916 in 1917

In 1918, the congregation decided to move the church out of the creek bottom. The members of the side of Spring Creek toward Gleason build the New Pleasant Valley Church, and the members on the side toward McKenzie build the Community Grove Church.

New Pleasant Valley Church

Members of the Old Pleasant Valley Church on the side of Spring Creek toward Gleason wished to build a church of their own., as it became necessary to move the church due to high water and sand drifting into the building. In about 1918, a building was erected on the site where the New Valley Church now stands. The deed for the land was recorded September 18, 1918, by R. W. Bandy, in Deed Book # 48, page 537, at Dresden, Tennessee in Weakley County. The deed was made out to the Trustees of the new church by E. L. Green and his wife Jeffie. The Trustees were R. Johnston, J. M. Gaskins, W. S. Shell, J. A. Doroughty and J. W. Denning. Some of the charter members of the church included Mrs. Betty Stoffle, Elsie Winsett, S. C. (Lathe) Dellinger, R. (Bob) Johnson, J. A. (Joe) Doroughty, W. S. (Will) Shell, J. M. (Jim) Gaskins, and J. W. (John Bill) Denning. [Note: Mr. J. D. Dellinger, a small boy at the time, remembers these.]

 New Valley Cemetery was know as the Walter's Graveyard. During the year 1926-1927, New Valley was on the McKenzie Circuit. Mr. W. C. Prichard was the presiding elder, and Rev. J. W. Fowler was the pastor.

When the parsonage, located in Gleason on Cedar Street, was remodeled around 1960 - 1962, old records were either misplaced or destroyed.

Pastors remembered who served the New Valley Church were as follows:

 

J. C. Cason T. H. Davis J. E. Underwood W. S. Evans J. W. Fowler A. B. Davidson Steadman Bagby Edwin Diggs W. A. Swift Willie T. Pafford Hershel Blankenship P. L Archibauld A. G. Melton Frank Daniel W. W. Phillips Joe Wheatley C. V. (Carl) Stacks Harold Vaughn James Hopkins Harold Craig Richard Kautz R. B. Stone Charles W. Brinkley Jerry Bynum Charles Brady Stan Waldon Glen Elliott Jack Dickerson

1917 - 1918 1919 - 1920 1921 - 1922   1926 - 1927            - 1932 1932 - 1934 1934 - 1936 1936 - 1939 1939 - 1943 1943 - 1944 1944 - 1946 November, 1946           - 1953 1953 - 1956 1956 - 1959 1959 - 1960 [6 months] 1960 - 1963 1963 - 1965 1965 - 1969 1969 - 1972 1972 - 1975 1975 - 1977 1978 - 1980 [October 2] 1980 - 1985 1985 - 1986 1987 - present

The parsonage was sold in 1974. The charge was divided, with the churches placed with other charges. New Valley was placed with Gleason as and extended Ministry, Reverend Jerry Bynum was the pastor. Through this arrangement the church has been able to have worship services at 10:00 A. M. each Sunday morning. The churches that made up the former Gleason Circuit were New Valley, Liberty, El Bethel, and Olivet - all Methodist Episcopal Churches.

New, seats, a pulpit, and chairs and tables were put in the church early in 1970. Also, the Claude Williams family put carpeting in the church at that time. In 1985, the church attendance was so low that Sunday School was discontinued.

The history of the Gleason community provided in Oakwood-Gleason: A Look Back provides an account of Gleason's history up through the time the book was originally published. As some 20 years have now passed since its publication, Gleason Online is providing a "History Update" feature, for each section of the book, for those wishing to add important historical information relevant to the Gleason community. Contributions can be submitted via E-mail attachment by clicking on the "Website Visitor Comments" graphic, provided above.