Pleasant Grove African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, a member of the West Savannah District, Old Georgia Conference and the Sixth Episcopal District was organized on June 29, 1869 at Taylors Creek, GA. The first members worshiped in a small frame house named A.M.E. Later, the growing membership purchased 16.6 acres of land and built a larger church. Members used hand tools to cut logs and shingles. Oxen were used to haul materials to the new church site. Once completed, this church was named Pleasant Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church. In later years, the members built a school, parsonage and established a cemetery to complete the church campus. The United States government purchased the original church site to establish the Camp Stewart military reservation. In 1941, the church was paid $1,600 for the church property and buildings. A large number of the members settled in the Hinesville, Allenhurst, and Walthourville area. Church services were held in various homes and schools. In 1943, through the efforts of Pastor Garfield Jackson and various building committee members, a new church was built on state Highway 38 near Allenhurst. The Pleasant Grove Camp Meeting celebration was originally hosted at the Willie AME Church in Strum Bay/Stewart Town, Georgia. But it was moved to Pleasant Grove in 1919-1920. Camp Meeting is hailed as one of Liberty County’s oldest religious celebrations reuniting former African American families of Taylors Creek, Willie, Strum Bay, Stewart Town, Greasy Town, Tom’s Creek, Sugar Pond, Thomas Hill, Mill Pond, Futch Town, King Town, Cypress Slash, Red Bluff, Possum Trot, and other communities. The present shepherd is Pastor John E.
