Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church was established on September 22, 1865 by 11 individuals. The first pastor, Rev. Milton Morton, served from 1867 to 1871 and was paid a sum of $5.00 a year, along with two twists of tobacco. After his tenure the church nearly folded. However, one small girl, Malinda Ranken pleaded and prayed. Because of her influence, Pleasant Ridge went on to grow and thrive.