Chapter Thirty-One

Marion County Churches

by Mrs. Bernice Johnson

Methodist Churches

Pleasant Ridge Methodist Church

Page 510-511

By: Mrs. Mae Patterson and Mrs. J.V. Turnquist

Pleasant Ridge Methodist Church, built in 1848

There is no positive date as to the birth of Methodism in Marion County, but records show that in 1836 the Conference held in Batesville was sending men with the gospel into this area, known as Pleasant Ridge. A church was organized about 1848. Circuit riders and local Christians carried on services. A log building was erected near the cemetery. This building served as a church and school and was heated by two fireplaces.

Jerome Dixon deeded the land for the church and cemetery. The first trustees were: Calvin Summers, Jonathan Doshier, William Watts, James P. Smith, Robla Tatum, William A. Sims and John D. Mayers.

The present church building was erected in 1887 and was remodeled inside and out in 1966.

The records show that in 1868 the pastor was Rev. J. H. Wade. Other early pastors were: D. E. Evans, W. A. Dees and H. C. Jolly.

The first Sunday in June has been named as Memorial and Homecoming Day.

From the Centennial History by Anderson, we have: "Elisha Melton reared a large family near Pleasant Ridge and was an exhorter for years, known for his love and loyalty.

Uncle Billie Sims was a very successful farmer, a friend to the preachers and their families. His wife, 'Aunt Mary Jane,' was a Saint".

The Watts family came from Georgia and were a devoted family. From this family came the preacher, John H. Watts, who served in Arkansas for 12 years and then transferred to Texas. He married Mary Tennie Sims and they had several children. A son, H. Bascom Watts, became a minister.

Calvin Summers was a farmer and country merchant, frugal and industrious. He and his wife served the church in great faithfulness, and gave to the ministry two sons, David and Bascom.

The Doshiers were a numerous and faithful family."