Our Journey of Faith
The Beginning
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church was established in 1947 by a group of believers in Jones County between Anson and Hawley on highway 277.
The famous sign
- Origin: Pastor Scott W. Hickey installed the sign shortly after the church was established in 1947, to make the message visible to everyone.
- Initial Controversy: In the 1940s and 50s, neon was commonly associated with bars and drinking establishments which caused some members to oppose the sign.
- Cultural Impact: The sign became a landmark for the region, often used by first responders and others when giving directions.
- Local Landmark: Many travelers use the sign as a familiar marker as a familiar landmark to show they are nearing “home”.
- Endurance: Despite being almost 80-year-old fixture, the sign has remained. Oh, occasionally it will have those rare moments of darkness (after all it’s old and harder to repair these days).
- Area folks who may not know where “Pleasant Grove Baptist Church” is, almost immediately know when you call it “The Jesus Saves Church”
The sign at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church remains a lasting testament to Pastor Hickey’s vision.
Building Addition
Due to growth, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church had a need to expand. The old building was added on to and the sign was moved to the “new” front of the church.
