The History: Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church
On March 28, 1937, the Reverend Zephaniah Turk met with Deacon Ruben Foster, Deacon Archie Watson, Deacon Hopkins, Sister Belle
Williams, Sister Belle Pickett, and Sister Mary Wilson to discuss and organize the Pleasant View MBC. Services were to be held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 4:00 p.m., in a
small building located on Old Apopka Road and was shared with congregation of Mother Nora Edwards the pastor of St. Elizabeth Church of God By Faith. Reverend Turk also served as pastor of the Isleworth MBC of Windermere on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. A year later, (1938) a small church was constructed where the “Fellowship Hall” now stands. Membership had increased to approximately 40
members. By 1940 the membership had outgrown the small building and plans were made to build a larger sanctuary. So it was done! The increase was at a level that “Ward Leaders” was assigned to keep abreast of
members and their well-being. Reverend Turk served both churches faithfully until 1959 when his health began to fail. When he could no longer actively serve he remained pastor with an Associate (namely, Reverend Daniel Moore) and numerous assistance from other ministers until the completion of the new sanctuary which was completed in 1964. Reverend Turk transitioned on January 20, 1967. The Reverend L. W. Wilson, pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Orlando was faithful in standing in as pastor. In fact, Reverend Wilson was serving during the dedication of this sanctuary. During these trying times other pastors included: Reverend Jack Mitchell (it was under his tenure that the church had its first split. Out of this action Unity Missionary Baptist Church was formed. Reverend Richardson served briefly, not much
information on him. Reverend N. A. Watson of Sanford was called to pastor on November 1969 and served until his death on December 15, 1971. Reverend Howell of Ocala was called and served five months, from January – May
1972. The church was in search again and on July 1972, The Reverend K. E. Rogers of Brooksville, Ebenezer Baptist Church was called to pastor. Pastor Rogers served until he transitioned on May 6, 1992.
Reverend Herbert Jackson served as interim and was called to pastor in November 1992. Pastor Jackson served until December 2000, this was the occurrence of the church’s second split and
The Fountain of Life was birthed. A pastoral search committee was formed to perform this task. The results was The Reverend Dr. Michael D. Warren, Dunnellon (First Baptist Church) was called to pastor on May 4,
2001. He served well for 21 years and whereas in the providence of the Almighty God and in His own way moved in Pleasant View. As the sun set on the final chapter on this side for Pastor Warren, God summoned a special angel to silently transition him to the celestial realm where peace dwells for eternity. The church was sadden but grateful for His life, leadership, friendship and legacy. The church grieved, mourned and prayed. The church found ourselves hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. Therefore, we did not lose heart. Though outwardly we were being attacked yet inwardly we were being renewed day by day. Again a Pastoral Search Committee was selected to lead this task. The following
served: Sister Shirley R. Woods, Chairlady. The Executive Committee which was established by Dr. Warren a year prior to his transition served in this capacity. Deacon Louis Carter, Chairman,
Deacons Ministry; Deacon Trevor Owens, President, Trustees; Deacon James Parker, Chairman of Finance; Sister Kathy Southerland, Church Clerk; Sister
Margaret Beauford, President, Women’s Ministry; Sister Valerie Paul, President, Deaconess; Sister Mattie Stephen, President, Ushers Ministry; Sister Velda
Brunson, President, Sanctuary Choir; Sister Regina Salmon, Director, Healthcare and Sister Janee Mosley, Youth Directress. The search was on, through prayer and supplication we preserved and God
heard our cry and pitied our every groan and sent us a pastor after His own heart. The operative words here are “He Sent”. A pastor, a teacher, a
visionary, a businessman, administrator and a salesman. A family man, a wife and children. God be praised for the Reverend Dr. Willie E. Caison, Sr., a native Floridian from Orlando, who was called to pastor, March 24, 2023 and made his debut on the third Sunday in May (May 21, 2023). Called, Qualified, Justified and Divinely Appointed by the most High God! Thanks be to God now and forevermore.
Some notable memories: Since 1937: am multitude of changes took place. The building was renovated, repaired, remodeled, leveled and rebuilt. During
Dr. Warren’s tenure land acquisitions made. The most recent project under Dr. Caison include the sanctuary upgrade(ceiling & lighting fixture, flooring, etc.) all within a one month period
of time. The church finances increased sufficiently. The church has been blessed with tangible possession that are too numerous to name. In addition to the church clerk, trustees, deacons, deaconess,
presidents of choir, ushers and missions, we now have on staff, an administrative assistant, church secretary, church clerk, a chairman of
finance, two custodians, lawn maintenance personnel, a full-time minister of music & percussionist and a Tech team skilled in live-streaming, etc.
We have suffered many trials and tribulations, but we are reminded of the scripture wherein Jesus said in John 16:33..In the World ye
shall have tribulations, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world...with this in mind...We move on...... Omar Khayyam said “The moving finger writes...and, having writ....moves on...”
An account of the history of Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church as originally received for the period 1937 by Deacon Ruben Foster, was
updated March 20, 1977 by Deacon Melvin Macon, Chairman of Deacons and Sister Katie Long Hightower, Church Clerk on
March 17, 1985-March 19, 1989, Sister Shirley R. Woods gave a breakout of events and happenings.
She further updated the history for the 65th Church Anniversary, from March 1994 up to March 17, 2002. History is still being recorded.
All in All, God is good and still in the blessing
business!
If it had not been for the Lord on our side.