Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church

Blacks in the area north of New Boston have been served by this church since its organization in Feb. 1872 by the Rev. Forrest Hooks, the first pastor for the 14 charter members. According to oral histories, the fellowship first met near this site in a log cabin on land belonging to Abram Ellis, former slave of Texas Independence patriot Richard Ellis. The current building was erected in 1912-13, during the pastorate of the Rev. W. M. Sexton, on land acquired from Mr. and Mrs. N. A. Williams, son-in-law and daughter of Richard Ellis. Charter member Bob Tiller donated land for the nearby church cemetery. Records show that a school opened at Pleasant Hill in 1903, probably in the log cabin which first housed Pleasant Hill Church. A school building was erected in 1928 next to this sanctuary, but was moved when the school at Pleasant Hill consolidated with the New Boston School District. Through the years Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church has provided a focal point for the rural community. Membership peaked during the 1920s, but worship services for the small congregation continue to be held on the fourth Sunday of every month as they have been since the church's early days. (1982) Incise on back: Charter Members: Bob Tiller, Henry Sims, Frank ware, Sam Whitfield, Annis Ellis, Sarah Ellis, Patsy Ellis, Charlotte Ellis, Mary Sims, Belle Smith, Louisa Justice, Mary Ware, Charity Singleton, Laura Tiller

Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church is a historical marker in New Boston, Bowie County, dedicated in 1982. It is one of 39 historical markers documented in Bowie County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 168 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.5395, -94.3912 near New Boston. The nearest cataloged historic site is Spring Branch-Ellis (cemetery), about 0.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include Site of the Texas Home of Richard Ellis, Harvey C. Sanders, C. S. A., and Hughes.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5037009499. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.