A Fore word written by The Rev. Harry E. West in September, 1965.

In trying to compile this history of the Pleasant Valley Methodist Church I have been graciously assisted by many people. Many of their names appear in the running commentary. The text has also been proofread by Mrs. Eileen Marcinko, Mrs. Marjorie West and Mrs. Eileen Freezo.

    The purposes for writing this account are:

1. Many of our members have not been members long.
2. New people are moving into our area each day. We hope that some of them will join us. They too should know something about the church they find.
3. I hope that this account will prove of some use in training young members.
4. Pleasant Valley has come a long way since the days Otis Hossler can remember a hitching rail running along the south side of the church property. I have heard so many of these stories related. It just seems a shame that they were never collected together.

When an author writes a book he often dedicates it to someone he loves. This is probably as close as I will ever come to writing a book. Therefore, I would like to dedicate it to my three children: Ronald, Constance and Jonathan. I do this with a prayer that each one of them will have a church someday that they love. Even more, I hope they will always love God, the One to whom the church calls us.

Rev. Harry E. West
Pleasant Valley Methodist Church
September 19, 1965

 

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The History of The Pleasant Valley Methodist Church

In 1836 the scene surrounding the Pleasant Valley Area was one of scattered farm houses. The famous landmark "Schott's Mill"; would soon be built, 1837, on the head waters of the Tuscarawas River. The scattered farm families desired a church. What kind of a church would they have?

In all probability those early farm families had migrated to the area from New England. Kenneth Nichols, in "The Akron Beacon Journal", Nov. 14, 1963 made this observation, "Near (Schott's Mill) and the church are authentic New England style homes, their classic lines only a little blurred by the addition of rooms and porches over the years." This may well account for the note recorded by Mrs. Alma Colley that states, "A group of Methodists and Congregationalists, in need of a local meeting place organized Wesley Chapel." The Congregational Church was and is quite popular in New England. Mrs. Colley goes on to say, "The Methodist group out numbered the Congregationalists so the church became a Methodist Church." At that time only three other Methodist Churches were in existence in the Akron area. Dr. Lyle Schaller in his book,"Planning for Protestantism in Summit County", page 54, reports that Pleasant Valley is the oldest "mainline" Protestant church in Coventry Township.

Where did the congregation first start to meet? We do not know. Possibly they started in someone's house. This practice was quite common in the early days of Methodism. We do know that very early in the church's life, an old red school house that stood at the corner of Krumroy Road and Arlington Street, which has long since been torn down and replaced by a home, which in turn was torn down and replaced by the Marathon Station, served as a meeting place for at least 12 years.

On October 23, 1848, just 12 years after the church was organized, the present site was purchased. Mrs. Alma Colley records a story and she cannot remember it's origin. She says, "It was a proud day in 1848, just 12 years after its beginning, Wesley Chapel was moved to a little chapel of its own at the corner of Arlington Street and Warner Road." Mrs. Roy Weimer remembers the story of a fire. She says she heard that various denominations used Wesley Chapel. Possibly we can piece together a story.

1. The congregation met for 12 years in the old red school house at the corner of Krumroy and Arlington.
2. They purchased the present site in 1848 and soon built Wesley Chapel.
3. Wesley Chapel was destroyed by fire.
4. A second church, our present structure, was erected on the same site. It was renamed the Pleasant Valley Methodist Episcopal Church.

According to Florence Schoner's 1890 newspaper account, Wesley Chapel had been part of the Akron Circuit. With the building of the new sanctuary the church was separated from the Akron Circuit and was served by its own pastor. However, Pleasant Valley would soon again be placed on a circuit.

Apparently the Pleasant Valley Cemetery was started before the church bought its site. A grave can be found back as far as 1842, six years before the church acquired its ground.

During the first 42 years of the church's existence the congregation was served by the following ministers. You will note that usually two men were appointed each year. These men served several churches at the same time. Quite possibly they were not full-time ministers, but rather were part-time lay preachers. You will also note from time to time a man would be returned after he once had left the charge. This rarely happens today.

Year	Pastor	Pastor
1836	Thomas Case	J.L. Holmes
1837	L.M. Storns	Thomas Graham
1838	L.M. Storns	Thomas Graham
1839	H.S. Winans	A. Brittain
1840	John Robinson	Caleb Brown
1841	John Robinson	R.K. Malthy
1842	Ira Eddy	John Wood
1843	Unknown	Unknown
1844	Peter Burroughs	Elyand Bettes
1844	M. Butler	C.P. Henry
1845	M. Butler	C.P. Henry
1846	J.R. Locke	T.B. Taite
1847	C.W. Malthy	T.B. Taite
1848	C.W. Malthy	T.B. Taite
1849	Lewis Clark	William Bailey
1850	Allen Fouts	Jame Grier
1851	William Bear	D.M. Stearns
1852	Unknown	Unknown
1853	J.H. Taggs	E.C. Warner
1854	V. Lake	Joel Towsley
1855	Unknown	Unknown
1856	William Monks	S.T. Sparks
1857	William Monks	C.U. Harrington
1858	Stephen Herd	S.P. Harrington
1859	Unknown	Unknown
1860	Lewis Clark	N. Decker
1861	Unknown	Unknown
1862	Cyrel Wilson	Unknown
1863	B. Vernon	C.N. Grant
1864	C.C. Hunt	C.N. Grant
1865	Cyrel Wilson	Reeves Townsend
1865	Unknown	J.G. Townsend

In 1866 one man was appointed to serve the congregation. One pastor (at a time) has been appointed ever since. While Florence Schoner reported the year or years various pastors served prior to 1866, she does not report the years the pastors served from 1866 to 1889. However, she does tell us their names: 1866; Michael Williams, George Preston, H. N. Steadman, R. H. Fishwaler, D. Rowland, A.D. McCormish, L.E. Beardsley, C.W. Anderson, J.J. Excell, G.T. Norris, George Crook, R. White, M.F. Rainsberger, 1889; H.B. Allen.

Let us return to October 23, 1848 and look closer at the acquiring of the present site at the corner of Warner Road and Arlington Street. The parcel of land was sold by Thomas Wright to trustees of the church for $40. The trustees of 1848 are named in our deed. They were: William Bailey, possibly the chairman, Alexander Brewster, A.H. Merton, John Rodenbaugh, Josiah Wright, Jacob Wright, Martin Jousel, David Jones and William Harris. We have a note or two concerning Thomas Wright. Mrs. Margaret McChosney reports that Mr. Wright was superintendent of the Sunday School for 25 years. The graves of both Thomas Wright and his wife Elizabeth can be found in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. John Rhodenbaugh's grave can also be found there. Possibly others of this group were buried in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, although I have not found their graves.

The entire cost of the church was $3,700. The church had about 70 members. At the time of the dedication $1,200 debt remained. After the morning service the presiding elder (district superintendent) held a financial conference. At the close of the day the individual members assumed the debt and the church was debt-free, It is also stated that a number of prominent members of both the First Methodist and the Second Methodist (now Grace Methodist) participated in the celebration and dedication. They also contributed toward the church debt.

A certain Mrs. Bock (possibly a member of the Wright family says Mrs. Margart McChesney) of the city gave the pulpit furniture which is still in use. Mrs. A. Jackson gave a pulpit bible which we still have but no longer use,

A Saturday service prior to the dedication was held and Rev. C.H. Conkle, pastor of the Second Methodist Church, preached. On Sunday morning at 10:00 Dr. G. De La Matry, pastor of the First Methodist Church preached. His sermon was taken from Isaiah 53:11 which says, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (K.J.V.) He spoke of, "Christ and Him Crucified as being the center of the success of the church. The sacrifice of Christ was offering on the altar... For love for us he was sacrificed. Christ was successful. You, in this church are successful. You are happier today than you would have been in a church so pleasant. In this you are successful. Oh! If we only know the joy there is in grand success. How much more would we accomplish." Mrs. Ida Essig says that she remembers sitting on the platform in her new velvet dress that day. She was 5 years old.

Rev. G.T. Norris, a former pastor who was to later return again as pastor, preached the evening service. His sermon was based on I Timothy 1:4, "Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister question, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do." In his sermon he said, "I hope that this church will be known not only in this community but abroad as a progressive church in saving souls." Surprisingly enough we have both Dr. G. De La Matyr and Rev. G. T. Norris' sermons preserved almost in their entirety.

After the dedication the congregation stood proud in their new church. By this time they had acquired a new name, The Pleasant Valley Methodist Episcopal Church.

From 1889 on, we have a more or less continuous reporting of the church in The Annual Conference Minutes. The Minutes at the Akron District Office only go back to 1889. It is hard to always tell about the reporting because the church usually remained on a circuit and sometimes several churches were reported together. However, let us look at the Annual Conference Minutes from 1890-1924. We will look at names of pastors, how many members there were and once in a while we will include the pastor's salary.

Year	Pastor/Salary	Members
1889	H.B. Allen   $450	60
1890	H.B. Allen	70
1891	H.B. Allen
1892	A. Keiler   $550	63
1893	Unknown
1894	Unknown
1895	Unknown
1896	J.H. White   $515	49
1897	M. F. Rainsberger	35
1898	Unknown
1899	T.C. Stahl
1900	Forrest Hall   $150	31
1901	Unknown
1902	J.C. Brown   $150	30
1903	James Scott
1904	J.R. Smith   $400
1905	J.R. Smith
1906	Unknown
1907	Unknown
1908	William Caren
1909	Unknown
1910	Unknown
1911	G.H. Huffman   $500	50
1912	Unknown
1913	Sumner E. LaFollette
1914	R.E. Runtley   $551	114
1915	C.H. Bowers	83
1916	J.D. Skellett	100
1917	William Caven (Caves)	94
1918	C.A. Bushy   $398	40
1919	C.A. Bushy
1920	C.A. Bushy
1921	W.W. Long
1922	W.W. Long
1923	G.T. Norris   $480	30
1924	G.T. Norris   $510	40

There are several things we know that occurred during these years. In 1903 the first parsonage was acquired. The house still stands at 2506 South Arlington Street and is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Don Chester. Mrs. Chester is a member of the church. Over the years a minister did not always live in the parsonage. Some had their own homes, usually in the city and sometimes the pastor served another church which also had a parsonage. When the parsonage was vacant the congregation would rent the house. At times they found themselves involved in the usual landlord problems. Once Aubray Colley and Raymond Dunlap were sent by the rest of the trustees to collect the rent which had fallen in arrears. They were chased away from the house by a broom-swinging housewife. Apparently the first pastor to live in the parsonage was Dr. James Scott, who moved to the United States from Scotland. On September 9, 1951 he returned to preach the homecoming sermon.

In 1908 Mrs. Armanda Enlow joined the church on profession of faith in Jesus Christ. In 1958 the church celebrated the fiftieth year of her church membership. This beloved lady is now in her fifty-seventh year of church membership and her nine-fourth year of life. She is our oldest member. She regularly supports the church. She has often said in this author's hearing, "I love my church."

By October 1, 1919, the preachers had worn out the pulpit Bible. A class of girls called "The Sunshine Class" presented the church with a new volume of the Holy Scriptures. The teacher was Mrs. Charles Harter. The members of the class were: Katherine Basch, Anita Kunse, Oline Reninger, Violet Killinger, Kathryn Vineyard, Bernice Krumroy, Arline Krumroy and Emma Harrington. Mrs. Bernice (Krumroy) Ray is still a member of the congregation. On March 6, 1921, a boys' class called the No. 5 Class presented the church with individual Communion set. The teacher was Mrs. Eunice Kunzo. The members were: Lawrence Enlow, Carroll Miller, Ernest Enlow, Wayne Buetch, Edward Ronninger, Dayton Gougler, Martin Glass and Delbert Auton. The pastor during these days was C.A. Busby who served at the same time Pleasant Valley, North Arlington (now Epworth) and Magnolia (now Trinity, Cuyahoga Falls).

Mrs. Roy Weimer rented the parsonage and attended Pleasant Valley in 1923-24. Her son, who is now Attorney Paul Weimer, was born in the old parsonage. It rented for $12 a month. Rev. G.T. Norris was serving his second time as pastor of the Valley.

The whole area was saturated with talk and activities of the Ku Klux Klan. Rev. Morris would have nothing to do with the movement. This cannot be said of all Akron Methodist ministers at this time. It is known that at least one was a Ku Klux Klan official. The so called K.K.K. was quite active at that time all over Ohio and it was especially active, as some of you know, in the Akron area. The church was affected by this outside disturbance. The pastor at that time showed real courage. The church life came almost to a standstill. This information came from Mrs. Roy Weimer.

About the year 1920 the church had around 40 members. Under the leadership of B. W. Weldon, about 6 families left the church and joined with others in a Interdenominational Church that met in a basement near the corner of Krumroy and Massillon Roads beside the site now occupied by McGraw's Marathon Station. However, that Interdenominational Church grew into what is now the Clearview Evangelical and United Brethren Church. This information was supplied by Mrs. William E. Henry whose husband served the Clearview Church as pastor for a number of years.

During this period of time from 1890 through 1924 the church was served by several young pastors that went on to attain outstanding achievements in other fields of labor. H.B. Allen built the present church during what was his first pastorage He went on to complete 45 years in active ministry. John S. Rutledge also started his ministry at Pleasant Valley. He went on to become an outstanding prohibition speaker. Sumner E. LaFollotte started his ministry at Pleasant Valley in 1913. C. E. Bowers started his ministry in 1914 at the Valley. Rev. Bowers has been preaching for over 45 years. Since his "retirement" in 1962 he has been serving the 142 member Northampton Methodist Church which has just built a new structure.

Getting back to our story of the Pleasant Valley Church, we now approach the year 1925. The church naturally suffered from loss of membership. When a forty member church starts to lose five or six families it staggers. We know some of those that were members and remained with the church. They were Armando Enlow, William and Mary Farris, Clara Gregg, Martha and Ellsworth Enlow and Barbara Strocker. There were others but at the present time we have no record of their names.

John Williamson was appointed pastor in 1925 and served the church until 1929. Rev. Williamson worked for Goodyear. He served not only Pleasant Valley but also at various times Magnolia and North Arlington. Pleasant Valley paid him $10 a Sunday. At times he walked from town out to the church. We may think this is an unbelievable story today. However, Mrs. Ida Essig, talks about many of the pastors walking from Akron out to the church. At other times Rev. Williamson used an automobile. Mrs. John Williamson, widow of the pastor, still lives at 1630 Goodyear Blvd. She reports that when they came to the Valley the church was badly in need of repairs. The roof was bad. This caused the plaster to fall from the walls. The lighting was provided by gasoline lamps that had to be pumped up. Heat was provided by a coal furnace that sat in an unfinished basement. There was also a coal stove in what is now the Christian Comrades Class Room. Sometimes there would be as few as six for worship. Others report that ten or fifteen was more the usual worshiping congregation.

In 1927 Alma Colley joined the church on profession of faith, and is still a member. Therefore, she is our second oldest member in terms of continuous membership. Others that joined when Rev. Williamson was pastor and who are still members of the church are: Aubrey Colley, 1928; M.D. Fleming and Ethel Fleming, 1929.

At various times we will be listing persons who were members but are not members now. Some have become member of other churches, both locally and in other areas; some have been removed by Quarterly Conference Action; some have withdrawn; some have been removed from this life by death. However, many many times the lists of those that are not now a part of the congregation today have played a vital roll in the church's history.

Those that joined the church under Rev. Williamson and are no longer members of the church are Ray and Marie Henry, 1927; John, Olive, Floyd and Leon Limburg, 1928; William Fleming, Mr. and Mrs. G.L. Baker, O.R. Nutter, Paul and Lloyd Bowers, Lula and Ray Dunlap, Ethel Gougler, Charles, Lois, Irene and Gale Gregg, Doris Lawrence, James Long, George and Ethel Wahl, Cora, Margaret and Louise Shawl, Dorothy Stubblefield and Mary Williams, 1929.

In 1929 the church was redecorated. A new roof replaced the old, the plaster was repaired and electric lights were installed. To help pay for these repairs, business men were solicited. Dinners were served in the unfinished basement. The silverware used at these dinners had to be borrowed from Goodyear Heights Methodist Church. On July 13, 1929, the church held its seventh Homecoming.

This must be said, during the time of World War I and after many folks left their homes in the mountains to journey to Akron to find employment. Many of the people that joined under Rev. Williamson's ministry and many who joined under Rev. Miller's ministry were a part of that migration. We owe a debt of gratitude to these people. Possibly they came to Pleasant Valley because it reminded them of churches they had to leave behind. No matter what the reasons for joining the already struggling little congregation, they saved the day! It is quite possible that Pleasant Valley would have gone out of existence without these "new people" and struggling pastors like John Williamson and Leroy Miller.

Mrs. Jean Miller recently said, "The Millers and the Depression arrived at Pleasant Valley together." Rev. Miller came out of the Wooster Ave. Methodist Church (now Westlawn). He had spent a number of years in the business world. The Great Depression deprived him of an opportunity for college. After completing the Conference Course of Study he began his ministry. Mrs. Miller still resides in Strasburg, Ohio.

When Rev. Miller came to Pleasant Valley he was also assigned to the Johnson Corners Methodist Church. From then until 1943 these two churches remained together under the same pastor. In fact their reports to Annual Conference are so interwoven they cannot be separated. When Rev. Miller came, the church reported 71 members. By the end of his ministry the church had 168 members. The Millers lived in the Pleasant Valley parsonage.

Those that became a part of the church under Rev. Miller's ministry and are still members of the church are: Forrest Colley, Frank Fleming, Ray Nutter, Albert and Flossie Parsons, 1931; Myrtle Dudugjian, Cecil and Selma Boutz, Gus and Dolly Parsons, 1932; Myrtle Gougler, Kathryn Price and Mrs. V. D. Shepherd, 1933; W.D. Shepherd, 1934; Eileen Marcinko and Bernice Ray, 1935; Iva Patch and Myrtle Scott, 1936; Vernon Hillard, 1937; Gwyneth Archer, Goldie Sherrill and June Underwood, 1938.

Those that became a part of the church under Rev. Miller's ministry and who are no longer members of the church are: Mrs. O.R. Nutter, 1935; Lois Colley Lewis, Darius Bittinger, Otto and Robert Farris, Doris Hazllet, Mr. and Mrs. James Richmond, Evan Thorn, Mr. and Mrs. George Mohlbaugh, Mr. and Mrs. William Ward and Dorothy Jacobs, 1931; George, Carl and James Raymond, Robert Yorrick, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Callahan, William Callahan, Leota and Stanley Davis, Helen and Imogene Farris, Earl Gougler, Majorie Grafe, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hammond, James Helms, James and Elizabeth Johnson, Mrs. Nola Jones, Authur Mackley, Ernest Pinkerton, Delbert Queen, Robert and James Richmond Jr., May Walker, Ollie Wiley, Glenn Snyder, Mr. and Mrs. A.G. Leslie McIntire, Mary Badgley, Louis Bittinger, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Bortz, Walter, Gertrude and Minnie Bortz, Dessio Jacobs, Amos, Viola, Maxine, and Marvin Orndorff, Kathryn Rusen, Margaret Spain, Cecillia Weigand, Walter and Dorothy Diteofer, 1933; Mary Wright, Clarence Wilson, Myrtle Wilson, Betty Bortz, Clara Dixon, Maud, Lewis, James and Leonard Merriner, Mr. and John Shepherd, Lames, Lois and Francis Shepherd, Mr. and Mrs. Sivey Stephens, Richard, Freda and Ilene Shepherd, Milton and Rose Fusselman, Ila May Snyder, 1935; Nettie, Jack and Dorsaleen Darnell, Mr. and Mrs. H.N. Hofelt, Merle and Roy Holbrook, Vida Lee Stump, Walter, Grace Kenneth and Dale Hahn, Rebecca and Nellie Hennessey, Earl Moses, Dorothy Lewis, Howard Stearman, Minnie Brown, Hazel Miller, 1937; Helen Clark, Austin and Margaret Valeguette, 1938.

Around 1931 James Richmond formed a boys class in the Sunday School. They also sang together at various times and in various places, including radio appearances. Mrs. Cecil Moutz accompanied them on the piano.

In 1933 the carpet was bought for the church. Members were asked to buy a yard at $3.50 a yard. Ray Nutter had just started his first paper route. He bought a yard with his paper route earnings.

Around 1935, under the leadership of John Shepherd, a class for those from 18 to 30 years was formed. It was named The Christian Comrades Class. John Shepherd taught the Class from 1935 to 1950. Richard Walters taught from 1950 until 1964. Ray Nutter is the third and present teacher. The class is now our class for those over thirty. The first class president was Ruby Adkins. The second was Roy Holbrook. The picture over the pulpit was dedicated in his memory after he met an untimely death.

While we are looking at the Christian Comrades Class, let us look at the Senior Adult Class. Actually the class is made up of two former classes. The Men's Brotherhood Class was taught for a number of years by O.R. Nutter and Guy Parsons. The origin of this class is unknown at the present. The Cornerstone Class was the ladies class. It was founded by Mrs. Norma Leisure. Mrs. Cecil Moutz was the class' first secretary. About three years ago the classes merged and F.C. McNemar has been the teacher. Guy Parsons has been the assistant teacher.

On August 28, 1936 the church celebrated its 100th Anniversary. The committee in charge of that 100th Anniversary observance was Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Colley, Mr. and Mrs. O.R. Nutter, R.E. Dunlap and W.A. Ward.

During the year of 1936 an evangelist (Dr. George Whitefield Ridout?) was brought to the church. While we cannot say what was done for individuals, we do know that the church was divided rather than strengthened. Several families withdrew from the church and joined others in a more Pentecostal type church. They met for a time at the corner of Krumroy and South Arlington where the Auction House and Veterans of Foreign Wars are located today. This group grew and is now the Springfield Assembly of God, located just north of Krumroy Road on Massillon Road. Methodism has had many such experiences with such evangelistic efforts, and this is the reason why the Methodist Conferences are very particular about who conducts evangelistic services in their churches.

In 1938 Rev. A. W. Deutsch was appointed pastor of the Pleasant Valley-Johnson Charge. Rev. and Mrs. Deutsch now live in retirement in Youngstown. Their son Arthur, who was a teenager when the Deutsches were here, is now a full time supply pastor on the Dorset-Richmond Charge, Youngstown District.

Those who joined the church under Rev. Deutsche's ministry and who are still members of the church are: Josephine Brown, Joyce Cox, Wren and Ruth Hillard, Edith Neal, Iona Beidle and J.B. (Ben) Morcer.

Those that joined the church under Rev. Deutsch and are now not members of the church are: Eva Deyarmin, Mrs. J. S. Ayers, George Ayers, Mrs. W. H. Snyder, Mrs. D.R. Stevens, Douglas, William and Maxen Mathis, Bonnie Johnson, Mr. Max LaFollette, Lewis and Elinor Morris, D.E. Parsons, Ralph, Jessie, Marvin and John Stahl, Emma Bean, Joyce Marie Bitecofer, W.J. Gomer, Anna Utsinger, Adonis Williams and Thomas Loslic. All of these folks joined during the years 1938 through 1940.

In 1939 the three major Methodist groups in the United States, The Methodist Episcopal Church, The Methodist Episcopal Church South and The Methodist Protestant Church, merged into one denomination now called The Methodist Church. This meant that the local church's name had to be changed once again. Since that time it has simply been the Pleasant Valley Methodist Church.

On September 4, 1940 the local Woman's Society of Christian Service was born. The ladies of the church had long had The Ladies Aid. Their chief activity was quilting. The 29 charter members were:

Mrs. D.T. Lewis, Mrs. O.R. Nutter, Mrs. G.L. Baker, Mrs. A.P. Colley, Mrs. W. DeyArman, Mrs. A.W. Deutsch, Mrs. C.A. Sherril, Mrs. A.S. Enlow, Mrs. M. Wright, Mrs. V.T. Shawl, Mrs. Asbury Archer, Mrs. A.G. Leslie, Mrs. William Ward, Mrs. J.T. Shepherd, Mrs. Stanley Ayers, Mrs. William Farriss, Mrs. Guy Parsons, Mrs. Albert Parsons, Mrs. Glenn Dorman, Mrs. A.R. LaFollette, Mrs. Cecil Moutz, Mrs. C. McIntire, Mrs. W.H. Hillard, Mrs. R.E. Stahl, Mrs. H.R. Leisure, Mrs. E.S. Sample, Mrs. Mytle Gougler and Mrs. Raymond Dunlap.

The past presidents of the Woman's Society have been Mrs. O.R. Nutter, 1940-45, Mrs. Myrtle Gougler, 1945-53, Mrs. June Underwood, 1953-55, Mrs. A.F. Colley, 1955-62. The present office holder is Mrs. Ruth Morris. The Loyalty Circle of the present Woman's Society is an ongoing of The Ladies Aid. Before the days of the W.S.C.S. their chief activity was quilting and lo, they are quilting yet. We will note the founding of the other circles later.

Ralph Stahl joined the Pleasant Valley Church on confession of faith in Jesus Christ on November 3, 1940. He later transferred his letter to the Peninslula Methodist Church. There he was recommended for a local preacher's license. He is now the lay pastor of the Boston Community Church, which he has served for a number of years. Those who know him best speak highly of him.

In 1941 Rev. O.L. Williams was appointed to the Pleasant Valley-Johnson Charge. After a long ministry of 42 years Rev. and Mrs. Williams live in retirement in Mineral City, Ohio. A note must be made concerning Mrs. Nellie Williams. For decades she has given of herself to the youth of Methodism. She is affectionately remembered as "Maw" Williams. She was still helping in Junior Youth Camps as late as 1962 when this author was on the Canton District.

This is a good place to think about the history of the Methodist Youth Fellowship. It was not always called the Methodist Youth Fellowship. It was called originally the Epworth League and Mrs. Flossie Parsons reminds us that about all of the young people of the church, married and single alike, could come. Today we encourage only the single from 12 through 22 to attend. Back in the late thirties and forties the youth looked forward to going to Lakeside for Senior High Institute. Among the women that used to take youth to Lakeside for Institute were Mrs. Dolly Parsons, Mrs. Alma Colley, Mrs. Myrtle Gougler and Mrs. Cecil Moutz. The women would go along as cooks and chaperones. All of the youth from a church the size of The Valley stayed in one cabin in those days. Back then they had what was called the Booth Festival. Each year the various Youth Groups would bring in donations of food for Berea Children's Home. Pleasant Valley was always noted for giving large donations of home canned food because many of the families raised big gardens and lived a semi-agricultural life.

In more resent years the M.Y.F. looks forward to the senior high youth to Lakeside and the junior high youth to Camp Asbury. At Christmas time they have become famous for selling beautiful candy wreathes that they have made themselves.

The Youth Fellowship has had the following persons for adult counselors:

Mrs. Norma Leisure, Mr. & Mrs. R.W. Walters, Mr. & Mrs. John D. Gordan, Edward Johnson, Mrs. Mytle Scott and now Mr. & Mrs. Wallace Sedgwick.

Those who joined the church under Rev. O.L. Williams and are still in the church are: Mr. and Mrs. Paul Brookover, Mrs. Glenn Dorman and Jean Hillard, 1943.

Those who joined the church under Re. Williams and are no longer members are: Thomas Leslie, 1941, Phillip Limburg, 1942, Cora L. Fletcher, Betty Garrison, Wanda Heath, 1943; Michael and Sophia Petrovich, 1944.

In 1941 Rev. F.A. Norwood was appointed pastor of the church. He served until 1945. In recent years Dr. Norwood has become a distinguished professor at Garrott Biblical Institute, our theological seminary in Evanston, Illinois. He serves that institution as a professor of church history. Recently he wrote to say he was on his way to Europe to visit war refugee camps and homes. He will then journey to the Middle East, India, Hong Kong and on around the world. He is doing research on religious refugees. Dr. Norwood was the homecoming Speaker September 11, 1949.

The following persons united with the church under Rev. Norwood's ministry and are still members of the church: Mytle Davidson, Lawrence Parsons, 1945; Constance and Robert Fleming, 1946.

The following joined the church but are not members: Joann and Thelma Williams, Peggy Lou Parcell, George and Carol Utzinger, Glenn Sample, Nylos Groff, Mrs. Donald Harter, Moriss and Rosemary Hickman, Carol, John, John Jr., Pauline and Patricia McCarty, Mrs. Alvin Moutz, Mrs. D.E. Parsons, Mary Smith, Mrs. Glenn Snyder Buy, Buddy and Emma Carrison, 1945; Ruth Ann Jared, Mrs. J.E. Eddleman, Doloris Stump, Marilyn Sisler, Marian and Richard Schott, Barbara Riggans, Gladys Phillips, Dorothy Davidson, Frank Baker, Mary Crocker, Joan Romesburg, Mary Ellen Romesburg, Gladys, Willard and Phyliss Conley, Robert Jacobs, Charles Leslie, Patricia, Luann, Lyorda and Raymond Keyes, Mrs. E.F. Harvey, 1946.

We are now moving into those years that followed World War II. Akron is a growing and building city. Akron grows to the north, east and west. Why did Akron not grow as rapidly to the south? A story should be recorded here that will help future generations understand the picture. For a number of years the city of Akron gathered it's garbage in wagons. These wagons were hitched together in a long train behind a tractor and were then pulled down South Arlington Street. The contents of the wagons were then scattered over what is now called the Farriss Farm where they then raised great numbers of hogs. Even this author has heard South Summit County called the "dumping grounds". The smell was quite offensive and no doubt kept many from building in our area. We can be thankful that this story belongs to a former day.

Water and sewage have also been a drawback to some extent. Akron cannot pump water beyond Waterloo Road as things now stand. The United States has a treaty with Canada, reports Dr. Lyle Schaller, that says no water shall be diverted from the Great Lakes. Waterloo Road marks the watershed. All water north flows to the Great Lakes and all water south flows to the Gulf of Mexico. There has been talk that things may be arranged that the City of Akron will be able to bring water and sewage facilities into our area.

Super hi-ways were built to the East, West and to the North of Akron before a highway was completed to the South. In October of this year the South leg of the expressway will be opened and the future will tell us what this will bring.

There is another story that belongs to the Pleasant Valley History. I am not sure of the date, but it would be a story that occurred in the late forties. Edward Thorn used to spend the summertime visiting his grandfather who lived just across Arlington Street from the church. He lived to attend the Pleasant Valley Bible School. Today Edward is the associate pastor of the First Methodist Church, Cuyahoga Falls.

In 1946 Rev. John C. Campbell was appointed to the Pleasant Valley Church. This appointment begins what can now be called an era. Until a heart attack forced his retirement in 1962, The Valley and Rev. Campbell would be together. His ministry here covered almost 18 years. John is known across the Conference as the little man with the big voice. He now lives in retirement in Lisbon, Ohio. By far the greatest number of the congregation joined the church under his ministry. When he came, there were 183 members; when he left there were 380.

Those that were taken in under Rev. Campbell's ministry and who are still members of the congregation are: Mr. and Mrs. Frank Garman, Doral Lewis, 1946; Evelyn Akers, Astor Davidson, Betty Etling, Raymond and Evelyn Ripple, Edward Johnson, Barbara McCrady, Magarett Parsons, Richard Scott Jr., Shirley Simmons, 1947; Roy Cox, Nancy Ray, W.D. and Naomi Samples, 1948; Maxine and Maxim Abraham, Floda Akins, Shirley Ewing, John and Ruth Kelsey, Magaret McChesney, Bryon and Dorothy McCrady, Calvin Sherril and James McCrady, 1949; John Bush, Donald Horn, Isabelle Mercer, Walter Price, Murl and Ollie Primmer, Mary Skipper, James Truman and Ellen Wratchford, 1950; Inis Bishoff, Richard Brown, Betty and Harry Larison, John and Ruth Morris, 1951; Wilbur and Dor0othy Gross, Clyde and Gladys Kline and Theodore Patch, 1952; Mr. and Mrs. George Biddle, Ronald Gross, Margaret Joseph, Emma and Charles McCrady, James and Earline Pace, Virginia Pontius Shirley Ruble, Roy and Donna Shaw and Mabel Walters, 1953.

Marilyn DeMoss, Mr. and Mrs. John Gamble, Joan Kennedy, Michael Marcinko, Sandra Lee Reed, Carolyn Sample, Russell and Evelyn Spencer, Barbara Witcofand Edna Pursley, 1954; Clyde T. Blackshere, William and Corda Burke, Herbert Ewing, John D. and Janet Gordan, Gladys Hurtt, Patty Latshaw, Dorothy and William Lichtenberger, David Marcinko, Henry and Milderd Martin, Virginia Nutter, Tamara Wratchford, 1955; Raymond Akers, Asbury Archer, Ethel Rothrock, Harry Bernizo, Mary Bynum, Carl and Betty Doyle, Elbert and Mary Gilmore, John C. Gordan, Grace, Danny and Rose Harper, Lloyd and Peggy Lott, Ralph and Sylvia Nicholson, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Phillips, Earl Pursley, Iva W. Sands, Clarence, Eileen Dale, Earl and Carl Swan, 1956; Dana Abraham, Pauline Bailey, George and Anna Dennis, Lyman and Thelma House, Patricia Hugg, Gerry and Terry Hylton, Mr. and Mrs. William McBride, Helen and George Nemet Jr., Charles Pace, Richard and Louella Pontius and Mont Wratchford, 1957; Dorladene Bussey, Linda Banner, Dean, Eve, Marlene, Brinkley, Helen, Grover Jr., James and Robert Charlton, June Gross, Harold Joseph, Rosemarie Larison, Frank and Lilly Briggs, George Nemet Sr., Rosalie Primmer, Felicia Rowland, Madalyn Scott and Monta Wratchford, 1958.

Becky Brinkly, Carol Charlton, Sharon House, Dorothy and Marolyn Krause, Karen McCredy, Jackie Morris, Kathy Phillips, Dennis Rowland, Richard Scott Jr., Robert and Linda Taylor and Janet Witcof, 1959; Robert and Betty Boyd, Jane Gordan, Danald Marcinko, Frank, George and David McNemar, Kay Price, Mary Ruble, Juanita Samaras, Eugene and Mari Ann Shandor, Karen and Janet Skipper, Betty Slezak, Cecil Trammel, Ella Turner, Frank Jr. and Homer Travis and Jim Walker, 1960; Arthur and Iva Blackmer, Bruce and Pamela Briggs, John and Nancy Goss, Ernest and Ola Hogue, Linda Hurtt, Paul Rylton, Pat Larison, Richard Latshaw, Sharon and Ronald Osborne, Jim Pinion, Larry Pinkus, Andrew Slezak, Frank Travis Sr., 1961.

Those that joined during Rev. Campbell's ministry and who are no longer members of the church are: Mrs. Frank Baker, Pauline Wagner, 1946; Della Sisler, H.R. and Norma Leisure, Sylvia Myers, Robert Oldaker, Ruth Dunlap, George and Lois Headley, Eva Hoover and Jack Wagner, 1946; Mrs. H.J. Gary and Colleen Saylor, Lois Ruckman, Leroy and Ida Pelton, H.P. and Mertise Blakey, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Bittner, Barbara Boyer, Donald and Delicina Ann Gillaland, Robert and Bonnie Johnston, Loretta May and Ernest Keer, 1948; William T. McChesney, Thomas McChesney, Mary Lee and James Jackson, Elden DeyArmin, Dennis Adkins, Nancy, Shirley and Mary Long, Robert Maston, 1949; Mrs. Kenneth Siebaure, Mr. and Mrs. Dillen Truman, Elouise Looney, Agnes Smith, Fred Collins, Ellen Sample, Max and JoAnn LaFollette, Patty Bollinger, Jack Hagopian and Nicholas Kapity, 1950.

Margaret Selman, Thomas, Lawrence and Harold Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Nelson, James Tucker, Gerald and James Johnson, Beverly and Richard Knight, Janet and Robert Moutz, Wilma Overfield, Mr. and Mrs. William Pomona, Patricia Adin, and Francis Regean, 1951; Buddie Singleton, Roy Colson, Mrs. John and Jerry Huft, Beverly Nehlism, Donald and Mary Ann Wertz and Horace Clarke, 1952; Eilcen Donaldson, Lynn McQuain, Stolla Baker, Mary Jordan, Graco Shaw and Terrance Moore, 1953; Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Whitlatch, Ruth Miller, Barbara and Rodger Gamble, Barbara Buslin, Mr. and Mrs. Corwin Smith, Mr. and Mrs. David Jameson and Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Pryor, 1954; Elbert and Lelah Sample, Harry Clevenger, Wilbur Maloney, O.W., Ruth, Geneva and Robert Lutes, Larry and Eddie Clevenger, James and Vera Green, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Hatt and Virginia Shultz, 1955.

Ida Gougler, Oscar and Caryola Carr, Todd Grow, Oliver Brooks, Jean and Jo Ann Kelly, Thaddaes, Jannie, Larry and Connie Snyder, Walter, Gail and Goldine Ann Fish, 1956; Mr. and Mrs. John Hunka, Boyd and David Donaldson, Arthur and Phyliss Carmack, Lester and Lawrence Baker, David Albright, Barbara Queen, Doanld and Janice Juhn, Donald Buslin, 1957; Mr. and Mrs. George Flanagan, James Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Joseph, Earl, Geneva, Thomas and Patricia Bleau, Charles Queen, Linda Huft, Charles and Patricia Pugh, 1958; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Himes, Louis and Edna Schneider, Ruth McAdehen, Sharon Taylor, Linda Ann Ickers, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Hardman, 1959; Ernest and Marian Breth, Roy Funk, Danald Baker, 1960; Margaret Pryor, Thomas, John Jr. and Margaret Hunka, Marilyn Patch, Mary and Allison Pfeiffer and Barbara Wilson, 1961.

In 1947 J. B. (Ben) Mercer founded and became the director of the present Adult Choir. He directed for sixteen years. The robes were then purchased and were paid for by a church supper. The original members of this choir were: J. B. Mercer, Cora Shaul (pianist), Mont Baker, Irdno Baker, William and June Underwood, Goldie Sherrill, Barbara and Joyce Black, Larry and Maragret Parsons, Evelyn Akers, Edward Johnston, Doral and Lois Lewis, Dolly and Richard Parsons, Norma Leisure, Barbara McCrady, Jean Davidson, Wayne LaFollette and Jo Ann Remesburg.

Eileen Donaldson succeeded Mrs. Shoul as accompanist and was in turn succeeded by Virginia Pontius. In 1963 Marjorie West became director and in 1964 she was succeeded by Eileen Freeze, our present choir director.

On July 14, 1947 Mrs. Cora Shaul was honored for being the church's pianist for 29 years. Mrs. Alma Colley was honored for being secretary to the Official Board for 25 years.

Two circles were added to the W.S.C.S. Friendship Circle was organized in the fall of 1952. Faith Circle was organized October 21, 1958.

The Methodist Men was founded January 12, 1956. The charter members were: John D. Gordon, Edward Johnston, Wilbur Gross, Doral Lewis, Rev. John C. Campbell, John Bush, Al Featherston, Mervin Conley, Lyman House, Lloyd Lott, Larry Parsons, Clyde Kline, Maxim Abraham, Louis Hatt, Ray Hipple, Guy Parsons, O.W. Lutes Jr., O.C. Brooks and Earl Bleau. The past presidents are: Ray Hipple, John Gordan, Lyman House, Edward Johnston, Ray Nutter, Frank Briggs and W.E. Gross. Paul Elliott is the current president.

The basement was not always with us. It seems to have grown in stages. Mrs. Amanda Enlow and Mrs. Myrtle Gougler reported their husbands, Dan Enlow and Frank Gougler, were the first to do work on the basement. In the early days of the church one must realize there were but two rooms; the main sanctuary and the Christian Comrades Class Room which was originally called the Lecture Room. Thus if any meals were to be served they must almost had to be served during warm weather so that the people could eat outside. Mrs. Alma Colley relates the story that the food was once served out of the vestibule. Can you imagine that? Probably the food was served out of the vestibule and the people ate under the trees. Mrs. Dolly Parsons tells of cooking a meal for the Boy Scouts and having to stand on boards placed on the kitchen floor to keep her feet out of standing water. The basement was worked on three or four times before it was finally completed in 1955.

In the fall of 1955 the addition to the west of the church was dedicated. O.R. Nutter was Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Mrs. Nutter records that the following persons worked on the addition: H.P. Blakey, A.E. Colley, H.M. Holeft, Dallas Lewis, Doral Lewis, W.D. Shephard, G.L. Baker, A.V. Davidson, Michael Marcinko, William Underwood, Calvin Sherril, Earl Pursley, Murl Primmer, John Morris, Byron McCrady, John, Jerry and Dallas Huft, John Bush, Wallace Whitlatch, H. R. Leisure and others.

It should be added that part of the addition was built on ground that had to be acquired from the Pleasant Valley Cemetery Association. A.C. Colley, Doral Lewis and Attorney Paul Weimer cared for this matter.

The present parsonage at 842 Chenoweth Dr. was constructed during the summer of 1958. The land was purchased from Harrison Pryor. W.D. Shephard was the contractor. Members of the building committee were: O.R. Nutter, A.F. Colley, W.E. Gross, W.D. Shephard, Clarence McIntire, A.V. Davidson and Guy Parsons. The construction cost was something around $21,000. The chairman of the fund raising was H.P. Blakey. The chairman of the every member canvas was Clyde Kline. The new parsonage was paid for in two years.

In 1957 Boyd Donaldson had a religious experience that changed his life and called him to serve in the ministry of the church. In 1961 he was recommended by the Quarterly Conference for a local preacher's license. This marked the first time in the history of the church that one of her sons received a local preacher's license. He started the conference course of study in preparation for becoming an approved supply pastor. In 1961 he was appointed pastor of the Nelson Methodist Church. In the spring of 1962 Dr. Howard Mumma , the Akron District Superintendent, reports that he was ready to appoint Boyd as a full time supply pastor to the Freedom-Nelson Charge. However, he was stricken with a brain tumor. He passed away October 31, 1963 and the memorial service was held at Pleasant Valley. For many of the congregation it was the first time they had seen the custom of the ministers gathering around the casket of a brother pastor and singing a hymn.

In June of 1959 a farewell party was held for Mr. and Mrs. O.R. Nutter who were moving to Florida. Mr. and Mrs. Nutter had given almost thirty years of faithful service to the church. They had served in about as many ways as there were to do.

On September 8, 1961 the 125th Anniversary was observed. It was also the Thirty-first Homecoming. The observance September 19, 1965 marks the 128th year of the church's life and the Thirty-second Homecoming. J.B. (Ben) Mercer, our present Sunday School Superintendent, has been connected with many of the past Homecomings and is chairman of this year's committee.

After Rev. Campbell suffered his heart attack in 1962 Rev. Kenneth Wait was appointed to fill out the Conference Year. Rev. Wait was and is the Protestant Chaplain at Akron University. Peggy Dowey and Mont Wratchford Jr. joined the church during Rev. Wait's ministry.

In June of 1962 Rev. Kennon Callahan was appointed pastor of the church. Ken came out of the First Methodist Church, Cuyahoga Falls. During his seminary days he had worked as an associate pastor at the Lovers Lane Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas. After his one year stay at Pleasant Valley Rev. Callahan returned to that same church where he still serves.

During Kennon Callahan's ministry the following persons were added to the church: Mrs. M.B. Keiffer, Edward and Doris Roberts, Gertrude Vassar, John and Walda Whitehouse, Gayle Blackmer, Samuel and Violet Donnelly, Paul and Harriet Elliott, Alice Etling, Susan Golec, Otis and Lena Hossler and Susan Krause, 1963. Jullie Callahan was also received into the church but naturally has transferred with her husband.

These years that we are now moving into are too close for accurate reporting. What may seem so important to us today may seem unimportant in the years to come. At the same time, that which seems unimportant today may be very important tomorrow. History cannot be written until it has been thoroughly washed by the sands of time.

Lois Colley Lewis had been a key lay woman for a number of years in the church. On November 2, 1962 Mrs. Lewis was involved in a now famous accident. A truck driver, driving far beyond the point of physical endurance, hit the automobile carrying Lois and five other area teachers. The accident occurred just south of Cleveland. Since that accident the State of Ohio has passed laws regulating the number of hours a truck driver can work without rest. In her memory the family and friends donated the present organ.

During a 1962 Planning Committee was formed. With the organization of this committee the whole history of the church may have started to move into a new day. This is a story, however, that time has to tell us. Those who made up the original committee were: Andrew Slezak, Ray Nutter, James Pace, Janet Gordan, Eileen Marcinko, Ruth Morris, Doral Lewis, F.C. McNemar, W.E. Gross, Aubrey Colley and Rev. Kennon Callahan.

During this time John C. Gordan started to think about the ministry as a life's calling. Again, this is only the start of a story that time will have to reveal to us. This note, however, is worth reporting. John is the only young man (from Pleasant Valley Church) to ever win the Boy Scout's God and Country Award.

In June of 1963 this author, Harry E. West, was appointed pastor of the church. A man should not and can not write a history of his own time. I will try to be brief.

Those that have joined the church during my stay at Pleasant Valley are: Don and Martha Crawford, Wallace and Shelby Sodgwick, Marjorie West, Vi Buhite, Rebecca Bernize, Katie Bush, Carol Cross, Rita Enlow, William and Eileen Freeze, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Gainer, Richard and Robert Gilmore, Debora Gainer, Mr. and Mrs. O.L. Hardman, Gerald and Helen Johnson, Virginia and Kathy Jones, Daniel McCrady, Sandra Nemet, Datha, Jeannette and Anita Pinkus, Harry and Sandra Pixler, Willard Pursley, Erma Ramicone, Patricia Ann Roberts, Cynthia Ruttig, Rebecca Shaw, David and Dinah Travis, William Sr. and William Underwood Jr., 1964; Carolyn Barrett, John and Margaret Chenot, Carol Etlinh, John Morris Jr., Jerry and Lynda Niuman, Cynthia Rea Price, Marjorie Scott, J.R. and Ruth Smyers, Franklin and Imogene Talbert, Deborah Wratchford and Mrs. Don Cheater, 1965.

In the fall of 1963 the Christian Culture Class was started. This is a class designed for those folks under thirty. At the first meeting in September nine were present. Thet were: John and Walda Whiteman, Betty and Bob Boyd, Lloyd and Peggy Lott, David Marcinko, Rev. and Mrs. Harry E. West.

In April of 1964 we had our organizational meeting. The name The Christian Culture Class was adopted. The name came from a picture of an old Sunday School class Lloyd Lott saw in Wooster, Ohio. We were trying to find a name that started with a C so that the alliteration with Christian Comrades and Corner Stone would be completed. At that time we thought the name of the Senior Adult Sunday School Class was The Corner Class. The first president and assistant teacher was Wallace Sedgwick. Since the Class's birth this author has been the teacher. We met for one year in the parsonage.

At the January meeting of the Quarterly Conference of 1964 John C. Cordon and W.E. Gross were recommended for local preacher's licenses. On October 27, 1963 they were presented their study books by Mrs. Boyd Donaldson, widow of Pleasant Valley's first local preacher. At that same Quarterly Conference it was recommended that Wallace Sedgwick's local preacher's license be transferred from Grace Methodist Church and renewed.

On September 6, 1964 we held memorial services for Richard Walters. Dick, the second teacher of the Christian Comrades Class, taught his class the last few years of his earthly life from a wheelchair. He will long be remembered for his gallant fight to keep going. His faith shone through his afflictions bright for all to behold.

On March 19, 1965 a Congregational Meeting was held. At that time a new Study Committee was ordered to bring back to the next Congregational Conference a study of all aspects of the church's future. The members of this committee are: James Pace, chairman, W.E. Gross, J.B. Mercer, Mrs. Lena Hossler, Andrew Slezak, Larry Parsons, Ray Nutter, Guy Parsons, Mrs. June Underwood, Mrs. Myrtle Scott and Mrs Cynthia Ruttig.

In April of this year the fourth circle was added to the Woman's Society. They chose the name Hope Circle. Knowing that one circle was already named Faith they called themselves Hope. It is hoped that some day there will be a fifth circle, a love circle, to complete the three virtues of I Corinthiens 13:13.

On August 1, 1965 a new Post-High Class was formed for single people. Mrs. Otis Hossler is the teacher. At this writing the class is about one month old.

The present membership of the church is 320. The average attendance at worship the past two years has been about 140.

At the front of the church, east side, to the left-hand side of the big window a swarm of bees have made their home for as long as most of the congregation can remember. Over the years they have tried all manners of ways to destroy or chase away the bees. With a little imagination one can realize there must be many pounds of honey in our front wall. Therefore, Pleasant Valley Church must be the sweetest church this side of heaven.

Seriously speaking, John's Gospel concludes with these words concerning our Lord, "But there are many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." (21:25 R.S.V.) I am sure that something similar can be said about this history of the Pleasant Valley Methodist Church. No doubt many will say after reading this account, "But there are many other things which Pleasant Valley Did. "I invite you to write out your stories, give them to me. Possibly this history can be revised so that future generations will better know.

History is something that is being written each day. As you who have taken the membership vows know, and those that will in the future take the vows will find, they ask, "Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord and pledge allegiance to his Kingdom?" "Will you be loyal to the Methodist Church, and uphold it by your attendance, your prayers, your gifts and your services?" If you take them seriously, you too will help write further chapters in the story of The Pleasant Valley Methodist Church.

A postscript must be added. Since completion of this history I have learned that our records do not contain all of the names of those that have been members of the church and are no longer members. This is true of even more recent years. All I can say, therefore, is that all names that are retained in our incomplete records are reported here in.

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     This was written by:
     Rev. Harry E. West
     Pleasant Valley Methodist Church
     September 19, 1965
     Coded in HTML: September 19, 1997