THE HISTORY OF
PLEASANT VALLEY AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Late 1940’s – 1949
The late Rev. Charles Addison Kirkland, Sr. of Ferndale, founded Pleasant Valley A.M.E. Church (PVAMEC). The Rt. Rev. George Baber, Presiding Bishop of the Fourth Episcopal District, requested that Rev. Kirkland establish a church in the Sumpter/Milan area. The Rev. Kirkland walked the rural roads soliciting members who first worshipped in the homes of James and Carrie Shorter, Minnie Deering, Gladys Walker, Addie Walker, George Thompson, George Hamilton, Viola Knox, Sammie Barber, Minnie Jackson, James Barker, Frank Hubbard, Virginia Murphy, John and Willa Terry and others. The families of Walter Love, William Mays, and Robert Murphy, Sr. also joined this group of worshipers as trailblazers in the formulation of Pleasant Valley AME Church. Members later worshipped in Booker T. Freeman, Sr.'s chicken coop on the corner of Wear and Sumpter Roads. In 1949, Pleasant Valley A.M.E. Church was admitted into the Michigan Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church with the young Rev. C.A. Kirkland appointed pastor. It is speculated that the naming of the church was a reflection of its surroundings—a pleasant valley.
1950 - 1960
In 1950, a parcel of land at 45620 Victoria Drive, off Sumpter Road was purchased from Harry and LaVern Ancrum. At this new location, members began worshipping under a tarpaulin tent, donated by Edward Tootles (cousin of Ruth Love). The church was completed in 1954. In 1955, the Rev. T. Reid Lawrence was appointed pastor at Pleasant Valley. Under the leadership of the first lady, Dorothy Lawrence, The Mary Bell Missionary Society was organized. The society was named after Mrs. Mary (Marie Kelly) Bell (1890-1955) who reportedly was responsible for the first 500 cinder blocks to build Pleasant Valley. Fundraising efforts and proceeds from competitive Men’s and Women’s Day campaigns aided in building development. Mrs. Willa (John) Terry was the Mary Bell Missionary Society president and Mrs. Myrtle Young initiated the "Young Married Couples Club".
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In 1956, the Reverends Louis and Naomi Meadows were appointed by Bishop Gomez. The dynamic dual ministry of the Rev. Louis and the Rev. Naomi Meadows brought a resurgence of young adults, and under their direction, the Pastoral Choir was formed with Edith Mays Swanson as directress. The Pastoral Choir became noted for singing acapella - "Wings Over Jordan Choir" style. Minutes of the choir indicate the constant demand and the frequent engagements in Canada, radio stations, Annual and District Conferences, before the State Attorney General, Frank Kelly and Third Sunday District Fellowships.
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The Rev. Clarence W Carrington, Sr. and First Lady Margaret were appointed to Pleasant Valley A.M.E. on September 15, 1957. In 1963, two lots were purchased. Mrs. Francis Harper and Mrs. Ruth Dickey organized the "Up and Ready Club" during this time to assist the ministry.
1961 - 1978
In 1962, Trustee and Building Fund Chairperson, Robert Murphy, Sr., spearheaded the Building Committee by standing in the doorway collecting funds. Other members of the first Building Committee were John Terry, Timothy Love, Moton Morrell, Rev. C.W. Carrington and Sydney Murphy. In 1966, an expansion consisting of a kitchen, restrooms, fellowship hall, and two offices was made. In 1971, the Sumpter Young Women's Association, Inc. (SYWA) was initiated by First Lady Margaret Carrington. The program, housed at Pleasant Valley, offered summer activities to area youth, both male & female. In May 1973, the Pleasant Voices Youth Choir, under the direction of Maybelle White was formed. On November 25, 1973, Pleasant Valley burned its mortgage. A church bus was purchased in the mid 70's with Adam H. White, Chairperson, Ulysses White, Daniel Hayes, J.D. Sykes, and Moton Morrell making certain our members were picked up for Sunday School and other church activities. Bertha Payne, a former Choir member, reorganized the same choir into the "Gospel Choir". Youth member Shawn Slayton designed and constructed an Outside Church Bulletin. Due to vandalism, it was replaced by another sign in memory and honor of deceased members Irvin and Bessie Hoffman. In 1977, the lobby and additional offices were added to the edifice. The Rev. & Mrs. Carrington, the longest reigning pastor-to-date, left a legacy of love & dedication to the Pleasant Valley Family.
1979 - 1989
In 1978, the Rev. Thomas D. Elmore was appointed to Pleasant Valley. During his tenure, Pastor Elmore initiated a fundraiser, "Little Miss Pleasant Valley" with youth member, Kellie Brown being awarded the crown. In 1979, Bishop H.N. Robinson appointed Rev. Ralph E. Johnson as pastor. The Rev. Jessie M. Locke, Editor of "The Voice", our first church newsletter, was assigned Youth Minister. Rev. Johnson appointed several committees: Budget, Calendar/Birthday, Scholarship, and Long Range Planning Committee. In 1983, Kenneth C. Swanson became Youth Minister with Rev. Jessie Locke as Assistant Pastor. In 1985-86, our Long Range Planning Committee began renovating the sanctuary and landscaping. In 1988, The Rev. Kenneth S. Meeks and First Lady Dolly were appointed as pastor. Rev. Meeks was the first Sumpter Township resident appointed as pastor. Additional land on both sides of the church was obtained with Pastor Meeks unselfishly aiding the church's goals financially. Edith Mays Swanson was the recipient of the 4th District’s Missionaries Convention "Woman of the Year" Award. In 1989, Ms. Regina Elmore transferred from acting to permanent directress of the Pleasant Voices Choir.
1990 - 1999
In 1991, The Rev. McKinley F. Tyler of Detroit was appointed Pastor, and under the supervision of First Lady Mable Tyler, the Missionary Society's activities increased locally as well as state-wide. In 1992, the Mortgage Burning Banquet with The Honorable Bishop James H. Mayo, Speaker at PNA Hall on May 30th. In 1993, the Lay Organization's Newsletter began publishing with Earnest Whitlow as Editor in the early 1990s. Assistant Pastor, Rev. Jessie Locke, was assigned her first appointment as pastor to Carey Chapel A.M.E. in Monroe.
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In 1994, The Rev. Ernest J. Garrison, Sr. was appointed Pastor by The Rt. Rev. Bishop James Mayo. In 1995, Pleasant Valley Community Development Corporation (PVCDC) was formed. In 1995, a Church Historian was appointed, and the Christian Education Department was re-established. A Church Scholarship Fund was re-established with Pastor Garrison matching monetary awards for 4.0 achievers. Diverse community programs were initiated in 1995. Such as the first Annual Brotherhood Award, with Marvin Banotai, Township Supervisor as its first recipient for "Bridging the Racial Gap". In 1996, the Brotherhood Recipient was Helen Teall, for her community service with State Rep. Lynn Rivers as Keynote Speaker. Also in 1996, the first Taekwondo Classes were offered by experienced, trained members, the Boatner Family (Melvin, Nancy, Kelvin & Julian). This same year brought about a reorganization of the Class Leader's Council, Stewardess Board, and the Usher Boards. The workshops and seminars of the Lay Organization and Christian Education Organizations increased during this period. The 1997 Brotherhood Award was given to Sr. Citizen's Coordinator, Suzanne Keenan for her work with community seniors ("Bridging the Gap through Harmony"). Pastor Garrison was awarded "Pastor of the Year" by the Michigan Annual Conference Lay Organization in 1997. The 1998 Brotherhood Award was given to Police Officer Michael Lange for "Making a Difference" and his community emergency service in aiding one of our church members. In 1999, the first annual Emancipation Proclamation Award was initiated, acknowledging a minority individual making positive community changes. Mr. Gerald Edwards, CEO of Engineering Plastics in Ypsilanti, was the first recipient. The Brotherhood Award for 1999 was bestowed upon Mr. Al Widner, Superintendent of Lincoln Consolidated Schools for his leadership in increasing minority administrative & professional personnel. In the spring of 1999, Rev. Garrison was presented the Christian Educator's Award from the Michigan Conference. In April 1999, Mary Bell Missionary member, Sharon Martin, was bestowed the 1999 "Hall of Fame" award from her church at the South District’s Missionary Conference at St. Luke A.M.E., Highland Park. Under the appointment of Rev. Ernest J. Garrison, Pleasant Valley engaged in or spearheaded numerous community awareness and diversity programs. Carmen Gilkey and Yvonne Crawford were appointed as Choir Directors and Talmadge Eugene Walters was appointed as a musician.
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Continuously from 1990, the church made modern improvements either by individuals or auxiliaries. The Church remained active with Sunday School, Weekly Bible Study, Combined Choir, a Nurses' Guild, Youth Department, Mary Bell Missionary Society, a community development corporation-PVCDC, Organized Lay Organization, Christian Education Department, Lay Newsletter, Stewardship, Finance Committee, Membership Committee, Class Leaders Council and a Church Historian.
2000 - 2010
On March 26, 2000, Rev. André L Spivey of Detroit was appointed to Pleasant Valley by Bishop Robert Thomas. He was 27 years old at the time of his appointment and is notable for being the youngest pastor appointed to Pleasant Valley to date. Pastor Spivey acquired our first church logo, new ministries of a Children's Bulletin and Children's Church, Wednesday's "Walking Through the Bible" Study sessions, Young Adult Network, Men's Fellowship, Prayer Warriors, Worship Planning Committee and a new Audio/Visual Ministry coordinated by the First Lady Shema Spivey. Member Ruth Delaine and Pastor Spivey spearheaded our first Dance Ministry, “The Proclaiming Victory Dancers," with Debra Chisholm as its Coordinator. Trustee Pro-Tem Charles Swanson initiated several internal and external improvements to the church, including roof repairs being overseen by a member. Kevin "Scotty" Love. In addition to the Mass Choir, A Men’s Choir and a Women's Choir were formed with Carmen Gilkey and Yvonne Crawford continuing as Directors. Music ministries were aided by musicians Talmadge Eugene Walters, Tandra Williams and Cora Roberts. Percussionists Arnett Chisholm and Terrance Chisholm also assisted. The Rev. Charles A Gray. Sr. became our Staff Minister during the 2001-2002 fiscal year.
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In August 2003, Bishop Robert Thomas appointed Rev. Dwayne A. Gary of Detroit as the pastor of Pleasant Valley. Under Pastor Gary's watch, we celebrated a Note Burning Ceremony for the payoff of a new energy system in 2003. In 2004, Emma Boyer was honored for her missionary work by the 4th District Missionaries and Geraldine Slayton was honored for her dedicated service as a faithful usher over the years. In the spring of 2004, Rev. Gary authored a 44-page booklet for Lent entitled “Together We Pray/40 Days of Prayer" for fasting endeavors. A new road sign and name lettering on the church were completed.
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In October 2004, Bishop Phillip R. Cousin appointed Rev. Paul M. Mugala, Sr. of Southfield as Pleasant Valley’s 12th Pastor. His wife, Rev. Faith S. Mugala, faithfully served along with him. Pastor Mugala had a new vision for God’s Flock and with the creative talent of Rev. Faith Mugala, the following was accomplished. A puppet ministry was incorporated that was spiritually uplifting and entertaining for all ages. He appointed a Junior Steward Board and a Junior Trustee Board. A Youth Sunday School was established and the dance ministry was expanded with Sister Debra Chisholm serving as coordinator. A monthly fellowship and entertainment ministry that featured dinner and Christian-themed movies was initiated. Pastor Mugala encouraged involvement and fellowship with churches within the community and led by example. Pastor Mugala in collaboration with Rev. Llewelyn Jones (former pastor of Isom CME Church), started an Ecumenical Lenten fellowship worship service, where the service was held in various churches weekly on Wednesdays. Lenten Fellowship services commenced on Ash Wednesday and culminated on the Wednesday before Resurrection Sunday. The fellowship included several churches that represented the areas of Belleville, Whittaker, Ypsilanti, Milan, Romulus and Inkster. A joint New Year’s Eve Watch Night service was also established with Isom CME Church. Pastor Mugala promoted financial responsibility by establishing a Certificate of Deposit (CD) and a Church Facilities Maintenance Fund that designated money to maintain the PVAME grounds and facilities. Church updates included complete remodeling of the Women’s and Men’s restrooms, roof renovations, parking lot sealcoating, installation of wiring for video equipment in fellowship hall, donation of a stain glass window by Sister Mary Jackson which was installed in the sanctuary, a donation from Sister Kay Brown in memory of her husband, Mr. James O. Brown was designated to update the PR system and audio system and Mrs. Sedalia Bonarge donated a prayer bench that was placed in the pulpit in memory of her mother Mrs. Inola Singleton.
2010 - Current
2010 - Current: On Saturday, October 23, 2010 Bishop John R. Bryant appointed Rev. Kevin D. Crosby as Pleasant Valley’s 13th Pastor. He ministers through the preached word, teaching and by sharing the multifaceted musical gifts that he is endowed with. In 2013, Pastor Crosby helped to organize the church's 64th Anniversary celebration through a joint revival and worship service with Campbell Chapel. Bishop Bryant was the featured speaker at the worship service. Pastor Jerry Hatter and Pastor Robert Blake were revivalists. Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant was the Women’s Day Speaker in June 2014. Under Rev. Crosby’s leadership, Rev. Eric D. Tucker became the Assistant Pastor at Pleasant Valley in September 2018. New King James Version (NKJV) Bibles were purchased for the church in March 2019 and major church renovations have been completed in 2015, 2018 and 2019. As of July 2019, the pastor’s office restroom was remodeled, the church office has been expanded in size, a new roof has been installed, the sanctuary, vestibule, and fellowship hall were repainted, and new floors have been installed in the offices, vestibule, coatroom, storage area and fellowship hall. In September of 2019, Pleasant Valley celebrated its 70th Church Anniversary with the theme “To God Be the Glory for the Great Things He Has Done.” Celebration events included a three-day revival with revivalists Rev. Robert Blake, Rev. Dwayne Gary and Rev. Ernest Ni’A (Garrison). The celebration culminated with a banquet that was held at The Washtenaw Golf Club Banquet Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan with Presiding Elder, Rev. Norman V. Osborne as the keynote speaker. This occasion was commemorated by a beautiful Souvenir Booklet filled with pictures and well wishes from the community, family and friends. Sister Bertha Payne served as the 70th Anniversary Chairperson and Sister Tonya Patray was Assistant Chairperson. In March of 2020, the COVID-19 Pandemic occurred which resulted in the mandatory closure of public entities such as restaurants, stores and churches. Under the faithful and steadfast leadership of Pastor Crosby, Pleasant Valley AME Church responded to the mandate by transitioning to online worship services that were initially broadcast from the pastor’s home and then later broadcast from the church sanctuary with only the pastor and a few members who were involved in the music ministry and media ministry.
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As government restrictions were lifted, members started to return to in-person worship. The services were held initially outside in the church parking lot and eventually held in the sanctuary while wearing face masks and social distancing. As of November 2024, through the efforts of the Pleasant Valley Media Ministry led by Sister Christine Goldsmith and Sister Jayla Crawford-Smith, in addition to in-person worship services, most church meetings (including Sunday morning worship services) can be accessed online and/or via phone conference call. On June 30, 2021, Assistant Pastor Rev. Eric D. Tucker was assigned as pastor to St. Luke AME Church in Highland Park, Michigan. In the Fall of 2021, Retired Pastor Jerry Hatter joined Pleasant Valley as the Assistant Pastor and his wife, The Rev. Gwen Hatter joined Pleasant Valley as Associate Minister. Sister Selena McJunkins answered her call to the ministry and became a licentiate in November 2023. Pleasant Valley AME Church continues to carry out the work of the Lord with various ministries such as Sunday School, Weekly Bible Study, Pleasant Valley Choir, Media Ministry, Minnie Ward Inter Congregation Women’s Missionary Society (established in 2017 as a joint effort between Pleasant Valley AME, Campbell Chapel AME, Smith Chapel AME, Parks Memorial AME Church), Pleasant Valley and Brown Chapel Combined Lay Organization (established in September 2021 with Sister Debra Chisholm serving as President since that time), Christian Education Department, Stewardship, Finance Committee, and Class Leaders. Youth Ministry has included the Scholarship Fund to support our college students and the Back To School Ministry (August 2024) that provided school supplies, Bibles, prayer journals, gratitude journals, etc. to nearly 40 students of all age levels ranging from preschool through college. Community outreach efforts such as food pantry contributions, donations of clothing and essential items and food baskets during the holidays are ongoing hallmarks of various Pleasant Valley ministries.
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Christine Mays-Anderson, Church Historian
2/26/2005
Tonya Patray, Pleasant Valley Member, composed a history revision (2004 - 2019).
9/20/2019 & 11/2024
Christine E. Goldsmith, Church Secretary, updated history (2020-Current)
4/9/2021
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To God Be the Glory for the Great Things He Has Done!