In 1933, revival came to the Catoctin Mountains, located between the small towns of Smithsburg and Thurmont, MD. A Pentecostal minister came from Hagerstown to a small church in the mountain to preach a weekend service where people were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. News of what was happening traveled quickly, and revival continued for eight weeks. Services were then held in various homes. Soon it became apparent of the need to build a Pentecostal Church.

  

    In Sept. 1934 land was donated right on top of the mountain. There was no money available to begin a building program and no money was borrowed, so these pioneers for Christ literally began to build the church themselves. Rough logs, donated by one church member, were hewed and hauled to another member's sawmill and milled into lumber. Working together everyone did their part; digging, laying stone, hammering, sawing and painting. One member built the altar and the pulpit. Supplies and materials were donated or purchased as needed. As one member quoted, "...whenever a bag of nails was needed, the hat was passed and there was always just enough to buy what was needed..." Thus the legacy and firm foundation of this church was built, not just with stone and mortar, but with prayer and love for present and future generations. The church was named Mt. Pleasant Pentecostal Church.

    

    In 1944 it was decided to affiliate and unite with the Church of God organization in Cleveland, TN. A conference was held and moderated by State Overseer Boatwright and Assistant Overseer Paul L. Walker. In November of 1944 the name was changed to Mt. Pleasant Church of God. The first Pastor was George Harne. During the next several years a parsonage and an outdoor open tabernacle were built. A radio broadcast ministry was formed to include music and preaching.

 

    Reverend Boatwright and Reverend Paul H. Walker visited Mt. Pleasant often and were

instrumental in supporting our Pastors. Reverend Walker loved Mt. Pleasant and would come and stay in various members homes while conducting revivals. During one of his visits, his teenage son (Paul Walker Jr, future of Presiding Bishop of the Church of God) was saved in one of our services. Down through the years seven of our local young men were set forth as ministers: George Harne, Delton Harne, Bill Harne, A. Paul Harne, Eugene Harne, Paul Lucas Sr, and Billy Wiles. Six of these men became Pastors for the Church of God in Maryland, Delaware, Florida, and Georgia.

 

    In 1976 a ground breaking ceremony was held for a new sanctuary on existing church property. A building program was commenced and on August 28, 1977, the first service was held in the new church. Twelve of the original charter members were present at this history-making event.

   

    Mt. Pleasant Church has always been a Lighthouse shining from this mountaintop lighting the way to bring souls to Christ and to encourage and sustain the Christians. We are grateful for the blessings God has given to our church and for the legacy entrusted to us for 75 years.