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Slipup(Continued from Page D-l)Elder William Lucas is mentioned as one of the first pastors. After he had moved to Texas, Elder Edward Thompson took charge and held the position up until the time of the Civil War, when he died. Both of ttyese men had been associated with the older Spring Hill Church near Trinity.The war depleted the congregation; many members died, were killed in battle, or moved away. At the war’s end, only three male members remained — John Prather, James Anderton, Brother Gregory — and a few .„~ of the womenfolk. The church building was dilapidated and everything in disorder.NEW INTERESTIn 1866, Elder Jackson Gunn began to preach there, and a new interest was aroused; large congregations flocked to every service, and the church was reorganized in that year and over 60 members were added. Elder Gunn remained there for 10 years, and the church continued to grow. Shackleford estimates that as many as 400 people were baptized here during this time.Elder W. B. Carter succeeded Elder Jackson Gunn, and he was followed by (Dr. Shackleford, and then by Elder J. I. Stockton, and Elder W. T. Cobbs. Shackleford says that during the 10 years prior to the time he was writing (about 1890) the church’s growth was slowed by the organization of other churches nearby and various factors related to the changing times. In the early 1890’s, the deacons here were John Prather, Thomas Prather, Joseph Robertson and Rufus Eddy. John S. Hale, was a longtime clerk, and was followed in that position by W. R. Simpson.Pleasant Hill Church is a thriving institution today. Set in its beautiful rustic landscape of tall trees which run back to the old spring which is still in use, its large white building has been expanded and now is adjoinedby a fine Sunday School Annex. 'TOie old church bell, with its iron chain, still hangs at one side of the church tower.The present pastor of the church, Rev. James B. Head, lives, with his family in the nearby church manse. They came from Cleveland, Miss, and have been here for the past nine years.Mrs. Head noted that many descendants of earlier member still attend services here even though some of them no longer live in the immediate community. Joe Taylor Robinson, 86. is one of the oldest members.Tie Minor Russels, who live near Curtis Wells on the old Moulton road are among the earliest pioneer families in the region. A daughter of Minor Russell is the wife of Rev. W. N Bynum, pastor of the Austinville Baptist Church.OTHER RUSSELLS NAMEDOther Russells. descendants of the late John Russell, are sons Robert and Raymond, the latter a trustee of the church and a resident of Decatur. The Bynums are also oldtimers here, and Greek Bynum Sr. and Greek Bynum Jr., with their families are still members of the congregation. Another old family, the Stovers, who live at Center Line, are represented here by Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Stover and family. Mrs. Milton Rhodes, of the Curtis Wells community, and Dan M. Prather, a son of a former pastor, and his family, also attend.Only a few stones remain in the old burial plot near the church, the names Rtissell and Utley, being the only readable ones; some former members are buried in the Rapt'r Cemetery. Manvhile new gnerations carry on the work begun at Pleasant Hill so long ago.
Newspaper Details
Decatur Daily
Decatur, Alabama, US
Sun, Jun 05, 1966
Page 30
Full Page
Clipped by
Jeremy B.
AL, USA 13 Sep 2023
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