History
On this page we are sharing the history of our individual Church congregation. Briefly our church originally was called Pleasant Grove and the original building was out in the Webb road and Garfield Woodrow road area. Also keep in mind when searching records that prior to about 1880 the Garfield area and its post office were known as “Prince of Wales, KY” named for the operator of the stage coach station, Hopkins Otey Wales, near the intersection of Freedom Church road and US 60. Presbytery records indicate the home of some of the early preachers was Prince of Wales, KY.
First we have information about the “New Church Building” and name change. Below are the excerpts from the Presbytery minutes showing the progress of this transition followed by two articles taken from “The Cumberland Presbyterian” that I researched in 2012 with great help from our denominational archives. Following that is a newspaper article from the “Breckinridge News” published from Cloverport.
1902
Elder Representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – J. W. Webb
“By request of the congregation the name of Pleasant Grove was changed from that of Pleasant Grove to Garfield, and on motion T. A. Gray, J. W. Webb and G. H. Kennedy was appointed a committee to sell the old Pleasant Grove Church property and to use the proceeds in building a new church house in the town of Garfield, Kentucky.”
The Committee on Pastors and Supplies read the following report which was adopted: Pleasant Grove wants Rev. N. G. Cundiff.
[Source: Minutes of Leitchfield Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, August 5-7, 1902, pages 1, 2 & 8]
1903
Elder Representative from Garfield Congregation – H. Durbin
Report No. 2 of the Committee on Pastorates and Supplies was read and adopted, as follows:
Ephesus, Garfield, Providence, Taylor’s Chapel and Short Creek desire the ministerial services of Rev. N. G. Cundiff for the ensuing year.
A committee appointed at the last meeting of this Presbytery to sell the church property known as Pleasant Grove, reported as follows:
We, your committee, would report that owing to other claims against said property, have failed to sell, and respectfully ask advice of this body.
The above report was received and committee retained, with instructions to advise with legal counsel and dispose of said property as best they can. T. A. Gray, J. W. Webb, G. H. Kennedy.
T. A Gray offered his resignation as a member of the above committee, which was received, and J. W. Webb was made chairman of the same.
[Source: Minutes of Leitchfield Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, August 4, 1903, pages 3, 13-14 & 16-17]
1904
Elder representative from Garfield – V. B. Mattingly
Pleasant Grove Church Property
The committee appointed at last meeting of Presbytery to dispose of Pleasant Grove church property was asked to make report of their work at next meeting of Presbytery.
The Following Report of Committee on Pastorates and Supplies Adopted.
Ephesus, Garfield, Freedom and Short Creek desire the services of Rev. N. G. Cundiff.
[Source: Minutes of Leitchfield Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, August 9-12, 1904, pages 3, 9 & 10]
1905
Elder representative from Garfield – J. W. Webb
Report of Committee to dispose of the Pleasant Grove Church property: “We your Committee appointed to sell the Pleasant Grove Church property and use the proceeds in the erection of a new Church House at Garfield, would report that we have sold said property and used the proceeds as directed.”
Report of Committee on Pastors and Supplies
Garfield congregation desires the services of Rev. N. G. Cundiff, compensation $100.00.
[Source: Minutes of Leitchfield Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, August 8-11, 1905, pages 1, 2 & 10]
Garfield, Ky.–It was my pleasure to attend the protracted meeting at Garfield which has just closed, with splendid results. It lasted ten days, with Rev. B. T. Watson doing the preaching. His sermons were full of spiritual instruction for the Christian and just the kind to convince and convict the unconverted ones who came to hear him. I have never attended a series of meetings that did me more good. The visible results were twenty converts, all of whom united with the church. This is the first protracted meeting Garfield congregation has had in their new house of worship. This is a splendid structure, and will be dedicated in the near future free of debt.–G. W. St. Clair.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, December 10, 1903, page 759]
Garfield, Ky.–Rev. J. C. Cundiff writes that the new church here is nearing completion and will be dedicated May 29, when he will be assisted by Rev. B. T. Watson. Mr. Watson conducted a meeting for this congregation in December, which resulted in great good.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, May 5, 1904, page 567]
The Breckenridge news, June 1, 1904
last column at top:
MANY AT DEDICATION
Probably between 500 and 800 peo
ple from every section of the county
attended the dedication of the Cumberland
Presbyterian church at Gar
field Sunday. Tne first service was
held Saturday evening when Rev
Watson of Louisville preached an
interesting sermon. On Sunday
morning Rev Watson preached the
dedicatory sermon and dedicated
the church assisted by Rev J T
Cundiff the pastor. When the collec
tion was taken $114 were raised in
a few minutes. The church building
cost between $1000 and $2000 and
$114 was the only indebtedness at the
time of the dedication. At noon
dinner was served on the grounds
and a short service was held in the
afternoon.
The above information tells us about the Church building as we know it today. Its important to note that Pleasant Grove Church and Garfield Church were the same Church and that the location change and name change were simply part of the Churches growth.
Below this point is listed the entire Presbytery minute record mentioning Pleasant GrBove.elow this point are all of the Presbytery minute entries concerning Pleasant Grove Church.
Below are all of the Presbytery minute records found mentioning Pleasant Grove Church. This section is long but our history goes back quite a bit.
Garfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Garfield, Breckinridge County, Kentucky
Former Name: Pleasant Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church
October 1847 is the first time Pleasant Grove is listed in the minutes of Ohio Presbytery. Therefore it was organized sometime prior to this date.
1847
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – William McCoy
[Source: Minutes of Ohio Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 19-20, 1847, page 1 of loose manuscript minutes]
1848
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – James Canada
[Source: Minutes of Ohio Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, March 23-24, 1848, page 1 of loose manuscript minutes]
1848
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation
[Source: Minutes of Ohio Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 17-18, 1848, page 1 of loose manuscript minutes]
1849
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – G. Dowel
[Source: Minutes of Ohio Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, March 29-31, 1849, page 1 of loose manuscript minutes]
1849
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation
[Source: Minutes of Ohio Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 22-24, 1849, page 1 of loose manuscript minutes]
1849
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation
[Source: Minutes of Ohio Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, December 4-5, 1849, page 1 of loose manuscript minutes]
1851
Pleasant Grove not listed.
[Source: Minutes of Ohio Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 17-18, 1851]
1852
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation
[Source: Minutes of Ohio Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, March 11-12, 1852, page 1 of loose manuscript minutes]
1852
Pleasant Grove not listed.
[Source: Minutes of Ohio Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 18-19, 1852]
1853
Pleasant Grove not listed.
[Source: Minutes of Ohio Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 7-9, 1853]
No Minutes for Ohio Presbytery in archives for 1854-1872
1873
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – Davis Legrand
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 12 & 14, 1873, page 1]
1873
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – E. D. Legrand
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 11 & 13, 1873, page 10]
1874
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation.
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 11 & 13, 1874, page 20]
1874
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation.
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 10 & 12, 1874, page 31]
1875
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation.
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 10 & 12, 1875, page 41]
1875
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – M. L. Dowell
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, November 6 & 8, 1875, page 51]
1876
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – E. D. Legrand
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, November 4 & 6, 1876, page 69]
1877
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – W. L. Dowell
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 7 & 9, 1877, page 83]
1877
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – E. D. Legrand
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 20 22-23, 1877, page 93]
1878
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – W. W. Nichols
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 6 & 8, 1878, page 108]
1878
Pleasant Grove not in list.
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, November 2 & 4, 1878, page 128]
1879
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – J. W. Dowell
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 12 & 14, 1879, page 144]
1879
Nolin Presbytery met at Pleasant Grove Church, Breckinridge County, Ky, on the 15th day of July 1879.
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – E. D. Legrand
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, July 15, 1879, page 154]
1879
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – W. W. Nichols
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, November 1 & 3, 1879, page 180]
1880
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – John Haynes
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, November 13, 15-16, 1880, page 190]
1881
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation.
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 9 & 11, 1881, page 202]
1881
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation.
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 10 & 12, 1881, page 211]
1882
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – E. D. Legrand
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 8 & 10, 1882, page 218]
1882
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – W. Nichols
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 7 & 9, 1882, page 227]
1883
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation.
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 7 & 9, 1883, page 1]
1883
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation.
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 13 & 15, 1883, page 13]
1884
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – W. Nichols
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 12 & 14, 1884, page 22]
1884
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – J. Y. Nichols
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, November 1 & 3, 1884, page 30]
1885
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – E. D. Legrand
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 30-31, 1885, page 42]
1886
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – J. Y. Nichols
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, November 5, 1886, page 57]
1887
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – John Y. Nichols
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, November 4-5 & 7, 1887, page 70]
1888
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – John W. Dowell
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, November 2-3 & 5, 1888, page 83]
1889
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – John W. Dowell
[Source: Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, November 1-5 , 1889, page 102]
1890
Name of the Congregation: Pleasant Grove
Clerk of the Session and Post-Office: John H. Legrand, Garfield, Ky.
Pastor: E. R. Duggin
Total Membership: 41
Nolin Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1890, page 186]
1890
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation.
[Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 31-November 3, 1890, page 1]
1891
Name of the Congregation: Pleasant Grove
Clerk of the Session and Post-Office: John H. Legrand, Garfield, Ky.
Pastor: none listed
Total Membership: not given
Nolin Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1891, page 202]
1891
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation.
[Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 1-5, 1891, page 1]
1892
No Reports from Nolin Presbytery.
1892
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation.
[Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, November 3-5, 1892, page 3]
1893
Name of the Congregation: Pleasant Grove
Clerk of the Session and Post-Office: John H. Legrand, Garfield, Ky.
Pastor: T. Richardson
Total Membership: 20
Nolin Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1893, page 212]
1893
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation.
[Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, August 24-26, 1893, page 1]
1894
Name of the Congregation: Pleasant Grove
Clerk of the Session and Post-Office: John H. Legrand, Garfield, Ky.
Pastor: none listed
Total Membership: not given
Nolin Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1894, page 224]
1895
Name of the Congregation: Pleasant Grove
Clerk of the Session and Post-Office: A. Bruner, Garfield, Ky.
Pastor: H. C. Hook
Total Membership: 70
Nolin Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1895, page 234]
1895
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove – A. A. Bruner
[Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, August 25-28, 1895, page 2]
1896
Name of Congregation: Pleasant Grove
Clerk of the Session and Post-Office: A. A. Bruner, Garfield, Ky.
Pastor: H. C. Hook
No. Communicants: 70
Nolin Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1896, page 213]
1896
Elder representative from Pleasant Grove – J. W. Dowell
[Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 4-9, 1896, page 1]
1897
Name of Church: Pleasant Grove
Clerk of the Session and Post-Office: Dowell, J. C., Garfield, Ky.
Minister: Hook, H. C.
No. Communicants: not given
Nolin Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1897, page 179]
1897
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation.
[Minutes of Nolin Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 3-6, 1897, page 2]
1898
Name of Church: Pleasant Grove
Clerk of the Session and Post-Office: A. H. Bruner, Garfield, Ky.
Minister: J. A. Bozarth
No. Communicants: not given
Nolin Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1898, page 199]
1898
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation.
[Minutes of Owensboro Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 9-10, 1898, page 2]
1899
Name of Church: Pleasant Grove
Clerk of the Session and Post-Office: A. H. Brewner, Garfield, Ky.
Minister: J. A. Bozarth
No. Communicants: 40
Nolin Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1899, page 95a]
1899
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation.
[Minutes of Owensboro Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 3-5, 1899]
No minutes of Owensboro Presbytery for 1900 in archives.
1900
Name of Church: Pleasant Grove
Clerk of the Session and Post-Office: A. H. Brewner, Garfield, Ky.
Minister: none listed
No. Communicants: 40
Nolin Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1900, page 114a]
1901
No elder representative from Pleasant Grove congregation.
Committee on Pastorates and Supplies
Pleasant Grove – Rev. J. A. Bozarth, salary $4.50 per trip.
[Source: Minutes of Leitchfield Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 23-25, 1901, page 8]
1901
Name of Church: Pleasant Grove
Clerk of the Session and Post-Office: Lydia Dowell, Garfield, Ky.
Minister In Charge: J. A. Bozarth
Total No. of Members: 45
Leitchfield Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1901, page 138a]
1901
Elder Representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – Harry Kennedy
[Source: Minutes of Leitchfield Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 8-9, 1901, page 1]
1902
Name of Church: Pleasant Grove
Clerk of the Session and Post Office: Mrs. Lydia Dowell, Garfield, Ky.
Minister In Charge: J. A. Bozarth
Total No. of Members: 56
Leitchfield Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1902, page 128a]
1902
Elder Representative from Pleasant Grove congregation – J. W. Webb
“By request of the congregation the name of Pleasant Grove was changed from that of Pleasant Grove to Garfield, and on motion T. A. Gray, J. W. Webb and G. H. Kennedy was appointed a committee to sell the old Pleasant Grove Church property and to use the proceeds in building a new church house in the town of Garfield, Kentucky.”
The Committee on Pastors and Supplies read the following report which was adopted: Pleasant Grove wants Rev. N. G. Cundiff.
[Source: Minutes of Leitchfield Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, August 5-7, 1902, pages 1, 2 & 8]
1903
Name of Church: Garfield
Clerk of the Session and Post Office: Hiram Durbin, Garfield, Ky.
Minister Now In Charge: N. G. Cundiff
Total Number of Members: 70
Leitchfield Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1903, page 113a]
1903
Elder Representative from Garfield Congregation – H. Durbin
Report No. 2 of the Committee on Pastorates and Supplies was read and adopted, as follows:
Ephesus, Garfield, Providence, Taylor’s Chapel and Short Creek desire the ministerial services of Rev. N. G. Cundiff for the ensuing year.
A committee appointed at the last meeting of this Presbytery to sell the church property known as Pleasant Grove, reported as follows:
We, your committee, would report that owing to other claims against said property, have failed to sell, and respectfully ask advice of this body.
The above report was received and committee retained, with instructions to advise with legal counsel and dispose of said property as best they can. T. A. Gray, J. W. Webb, G. H. Kennedy.
T. A Gray offered his resignation as a member of the above committee, which was received, and J. W. Webb was made chairman of the same.
[Source: Minutes of Leitchfield Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, August 4, 1903, pages 3, 13-14 & 16-17]
1904
Name of Church: Garfield
Clerk of the Session and Post Office: Hiram Durbin, Garfield, Ky.
Minister Now In Charge: N. G. Cundiff
Total Number of Members: 98
Leitchfield Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1904, page 96a]
1904
Elder representative from Garfield – V. B. Mattingly
Pleasant Grove Church Property
The committee appointed at last meeting of Presbytery to dispose of Pleasant Grove church property was asked to make report of their work at next meeting of Presbytery.
The Following Report of Committee on Pastorates and Supplies Adopted.
Ephesus, Garfield, Freedom and Short Creek desire the services of Rev. N. G. Cundiff.
[Source: Minutes of Leitchfield Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, August 9-12, 1904, pages 3, 9 & 10]
1905
Name of Church: Garfield
Clerk of the Session and Post Office: Hiram Durbin, Garfield, Ky.
Minister Now In Charge: N. G. Cundiff
Total Number of Members: 116
Leitchfield Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1905, page 77a]
1905
Elder representative from Garfield – J. W. Webb
Report of Committee to dispose of the Pleasant Grove Church property: “We your Committee appointed to sell the Pleasant Grove Church property and use the proceeds in the erection of a new Church House at Garfield, would report that we have sold said property and used the proceeds as directed.”
Report of Committee on Pastors and Supplies
Garfield congregation desires the services of Rev. N. G. Cundiff, compensation $100.00.
[Source: Minutes of Leitchfield Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, August 8-11, 1905, pages 1, 2 & 10]
1906
Name of Church: Garfield
Clerk of the Session and Post Office: Hiram Durbin, Garfield, Ky.
Minister Now In Charge: N. G. Cundiff
Total Number of Members: 128
Leitchfield Presbytery – Kentucky Synod
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1906, page 68a]
1906
Elder representative from Garfield – J. W. Webb
Committee on Pastors and Supplies
Garfield, Freedom, Clifton, Providence, Mt. Vernon and Ephesus desire the services of Rev. N. G. Cundiff. Compensation–Garfield, $100.
[Source: Minutes of Leitchfield Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, August 7-10, 1906, pages 2 & 10]
Garfield, Ky.–It was my pleasure to attend the protracted meeting at Garfield which has just closed, with splendid results. It lasted ten days, with Rev. B. T. Watson doing the preaching. His sermons were full of spiritual instruction for the Christian and just the kind to convince and convict the unconverted ones who came to hear him. I have never attended a series of meetings that did me more good. The visible results were twenty converts, all of whom united with the church. This is the first protracted meeting Garfield congregation has had in their new house of worship. This is a splendid structure, and will be dedicated in the near future free of debt.–G. W. St. Clair.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, December 10, 1903, page 759]
Garfield, Ky.–Rev. J. C. Cundiff writes that the new church here is nearing completion and will be dedicated May 29, when he will be assisted by Rev. B. T. Watson. Mr. Watson conducted a meeting for this congregation in December, which resulted in great good.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, May 5, 1904, page 567]
Updated October 12, 2012
Please Send Additions/Corrections to the Archives
Below this point are excerpts, some very brief, from the “Breckinridge News” a newspaper printed in Cloverport. The photocopies of this newspaper are in the Kentucky Digital Library available for free viewing online. The dates and location on the page are included if you want to look at the originals. Access links are below through the Library of Congress and University of Kentucky.
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86069309/holdings/
Breckinridge News PDF index from Kentucky Digital Library http://kdl.kyvl.org
Image 4 of The Breckenridge news, May 4, 1881
column 2 under “ELM SWAMP”
Not much preaching at Pleasant Grove
this past winter but I hope it wont be long
before we will have plenty of it for I would
like to attend there
Image 4 of The Breckenridge news, September 13, 1882
last column under “county directory”
Pleasant Grove preaching evry 1st Sab
ath at 3pm
Image 4 of The Breckenridge news, November 22, 1882
last column under “county directory”
Pleasant Grove preaching evry 1st Sab
ath at 3pm
Image 4 of The Breckenridge news, December 6, 1882
last column under “county directory”
Pleasant Grove preaching evry 1st Sab
ath at 3pm
Image 4 of The Breckenridge news, January 3, 1883
last column under “county directory”
Pleasant Grove preaching evry 1st Sab
ath at 3pm
Image 4 of The Breckenridge news, February 28, 1883
last column under “county directory”
Pleasant Grove preaching evry 1st Sab
ath at 3pm
Image 4 of The Breckenridge news, May 21, 1884
1st column under “Pleasant Grove”
PLEASANT GROVE
Prayer meeting at this place on sunday
eve the 12th ???? at 3 oclock and
preaching here on fourth Sunday in each
month. I write this for the benefit of
persons that don’t live near here and wish
to come to church now and then.
Image 1 of The Breckenridge news, December 10, 1890
5th column under “Garfield”
The people of this community have repaired
the Pleasant Grove church. They
will have preaching once a month by
Rev. George Morris.
Image 1 of The Breckenridge news, August 26, 1891
2ND column under “Garfield”
Note: research pending, relation to William McCoy Elder rep 1847 Ohio Presby.
.Mrs, Polly McCoy’s funeral will be
preached at Pleasant Grove on the third
Sunday by Rev. Harried.
Image 4 of The Breckenridge news, October 11, 1893
3rd column under “Garfield”
Rev. Hook preached a very in
teresting sermon at Pleasant, Grove Sun
day eve.
Image 1 of The Breckenridge news, April 25, 1894
2nd column under “Garfield”
Rev Hook preached quite an interest
ing sermon at Pleasant Grove Sunday
Image 4 of The Breckenridge news, May 9, 1894
2nd column under “Garfield”
Rev H C Hook preached a funeral at
Pleasant Grove to a large crowd Sunday
Image 4 of The Breckenridge news, May 23, 1894
4th column under “Garfield”
Rev H C Hook filled his regular appointment
at Pleasant Grove Sunday
Image 6 of The Breckenridge news, October 31, 1894
3rd column under “Sunday School House”
Mr David Hardaway of Bewleyville
attended church at Pleasant Grove Sunday
Miss Mary McCoy and Miss Maude
Smith attended church at Pleasant Grove
Sunday
The Breckenridge news, December 5, 1894
3rd column under “Garfield”
The revival meeting conducted by Rev
Hook, St Clair, and Richardson closed
last Sunday with twenty accessions to
the Cumberland Presbyterian church
Image 3 of The Breckenridge news, April 17, 1895
5th column under “Garfield”
Rev Hook preached a very interesting
sermon at Pleasant Grove Sunday even
ing
Image 2 of The Breckenridge news, July 10, 1895
6th column under “Garfield”
Garfield seems deserted now as most
of the people have gone to the Tar
Springs to spend the summer
The Sunday School at Pleasant Grove
Is a success Come one come all It
seems as if the people are alive in this
work
Image 2 of The Breckenridge news, September 30, 1896
5th column under “Garfield”
Rev Bozarth has been called to preach
at pleasant Grove church for the ensu
ing year
Image 2 of The Breckenridge news, February 24, 1897
6th column under “Garfield”
We are anticipating having a singing
school at Pleasant Grove church
The teacher was to sing Sunday night
but owing to the weather we do not
know whether he arrived
Image 5 of The Breckenridge news, April 28, 1897
3rd column under “Garfield”
Bro Bozarth will fil his regular appointment
at Pleasant Grove the first
Sunday in May
Our Sunday school at Pleasant Grove
Is progressing nicely Every body is invited
to take a part
Image 5 of The Breckenridge news, May 12, 1897
3rd column under “Garfield”
Myrtle and Katie Mattingly the
charming little ladles of our town are
working hard for their Sunday School
class
Mr Wm Dowell is the teacher of the
Young Mens Bible Class at Sunday
school and Miss Katie Board of the
Young Ladies at Pleasant Grove
Image 2 of The Breckenridge news, July 21, 1897
3rd column under “Garfield”
Childrens Day at Garfield last Sunday
was largely attended There were
seven or eight hundred people present,
somethirg unusual for a gathering in
the country. The exercises on the part
of the children were well conducted
and was quite a credit to those who had
the matter in charge Mrs Will T
Gregory and Miss Minnie Bell had
charge of the music and assisted materially
in arranging ttie whole program It
was very entertaining and spoke well
for the members of the Pleasant Grove
Sunday School
Image 2 of The Breckenridge news, August 4, 1897
3rd column under “New Bethel”
The funeral of Mrs Eula Bruner was
preached at Pleasant Grove last Sunday
by Rev Bozarth
Image 5 of The Breckenridge news, August 4, 1897
3rd column under “Ekron”
Quite a crowd from here(Ekron?) attended the
Pleasant Grove picnc last Saturday
Image 5 of The Breckenridge news, October 6, 1897
4th column under “Garfield”
Mr and Mrs Davis of Irvington at
tended church here Sunday
A series of meetings began here at
Pleasant Grove church last Sunday
Image 2 of The Breckenridge news, October 20, 1897
1st column under “Garfield”
Bro Bozarth will commence a big
meetirg at Pleasant Grove the first
Sunday in November
Image 4 of The Breckenridge news, December 22, 1897
1st column under “Triangle” (3 towns of Rosetta, Custer, Garfield)
Miss Mattie Johnson and James Bru
ner were quietly married today Dec
16 at Pleasant Grove church Rev
Bozarth officiating
Image 3 of The Breckenridge news, February 16, 1898
1st column long article listing some CP churches
Note Bethel CP was on hwy 333 south, all thats left is the cemetery
dissolved and joined Irvington.
….of the various clurches The churches
that have thus far participated in these
meeting are Bethel, Pleasant Grove,
Freedom and Clifton …..
Image 2 of The Breckenridge news, April 13, 1898
3rd column under “Garfield”
The County Sunday School Convention
will probably be held about the first
week In June at Pleasant Grove church
near Garfield
(further down the same column)
All the Sunday schools that went into
winter quarters from the rural districts
should reorganize this month We shall
expect a representative from each of
them to the County Convention at
Pleasant Grove
Image 3 of The Breckenridge news, April 20, 1898
5th column under “Lodiburg”
The regular County Convention has
been fixed for the first Saturday in June
at Pleasant Grove
Image 2 of The Breckenridge news, June 8, 1898
2nd column under “Hardinsburg”
The Sunday school at Pleasant Grove
church near GaRfield will celebrate Chil
drens Day next Sunday
(further down the column)
Rev T N Williams, the Synodical
Missionary was down at Garfield last
Sunday and preached three sermons at
Pleasant Grove church
Image 2 of The Breckenridge news, July 20, 1898
3rd column under “Brandenburg”
Miss Annie Bonduraut attended the
Pleasant Grove picnic
Image 1 of The Breckenridge news, February 15, 1899
2nd column under “Big Revival”
BIG REVIVAL
Rev Watson a Presbyterian evangelist
is holding a big revival at Pleasant
Grove church near Garfield
Image 6 of The Breckenridge news, April 12, 1899
2nd column under “Garfield”
Rev. Bozarth preached his last sermon
at Pleasant Grove last Sunday.
Image 6 of The Breckenridge news, May 31, 1899
5th column under “falls of rough”
Mr Robert Chambliss, Misses Mabel
and Zelma Chambliss, Cora Winget at
tended church at Pleasant Grove Sun
day last
Image 4 of The Breckenridge news, July 19, 1899
4th column under “Seader Bluff”
The Sunday Schools at Pleasant Grove
and Freedom are progressing nicely
Image 1 of The Breckenridge news, August 9, 1899
bottom right of page
There was a large attendance upon
the elders meeting of the members of
the Cumberland Presbyterian ohurch
last Saturday at Pleasant Grove church
There were several public addresses of
Interest and a number of essays read by
the young members The next meeting
will be held at Freedom on Saturday
before the second Sunday in September
Speaking before a congregation at
Pleasant Grove church last Saturday
Mr Dowell of Meade countv hit upon
some timely truths for the church peo
ple of today Mr Dowell talk was
along our line of Christian duty to God
and the church. He also spoke of giv
ing and how quick many people were to
shut up their pocket book at the first men
tion of money to help the church or
preacher. They did this too with full
knowledge of the fact of their
need (blurry after this)
Image 1 of The Breckenridge news, August 23, 1899
Last column
Daniel Haynes who has ever symptom
of a prolonged life should he live until
next April he will be 72 He was born
within ono mile of the church Has
resided in the neighborhood all his life
He is a member of the Pleasant Grove
church He married Miss Emily Chan
douiu in 1851, eight children were born
five living and three dead His wife
died in July 02 Mr Haynes is a well-to-do
farmer and is in good financial circumstances
The Breckenridge news, November 1, 1899
4th column under “Hardinsburg”
Rev Bozarth who has been living at
Garfield and serving the Cumberland
Presbyterian churches in that locality
will shortly move to Nashville
Image 1 of The Breckenridge news, January 17, 1900
6th column under “Hardinsburg”
Rev J A Bozarth still holds his work
at Freedom and Pleasant Grove. He
did not go to Nashville as he anticipated
Image 8 of The Breckenridge news, April 18, 1900
3rd column under “Garfield”
A Sunday school has been organized
at Pleasant Grove This speaks well for
the good people but what about the
church we need so much and hear noth
ing about?
Image 4 of The Breckenridge news, May 30, 1900
6th column under “Hardinsburg”
They are going to have a Childrens
Day out at Freedom some time in June
and also one at Pleasant Grove church
Image 4 of The Breckenridge news, August 12, 1903
1st column at top
The Presbytery held at Garfield last
week was well attended and very
successful in every way The good
people in that community believe in
churches and church work They
have two splendid church houses the
Cumberland Presbyterian and the
Baptist which are a credit to then
and their work They are a hospit
ble people as well. They not only be
lieve in churches but in good dinners
and having their friends enjoy them
The Breckenridge news, June 1, 1904
last column at top
MANY AT DEDICATION
Probably between 500 and 800 peo
ple from every section of the county
attended the dedication of the Cumberland
Presbyterian church at Gar
field Sunday. Tne first service was
held Saturday evening when Rev
Watson of Louisville preached an
interesting sermon. On Sunday
morning Rev Watson preached the
dedicatory sermon and dedicated
the church assisted by Rev J T
Cundiff the pastor. When the collec
tion was taken $114 were raised in
a few minutes. The church building
cost between $1000 and $2000 and
$114 was the only indebtedness at the
time of the dedication. At noon
dinner was served on the grounds
and a short service was held in the
afternoon
The Breckenridge news, September 13, 1905
1st column at top
This article establishes the existence of
Pleasant Grove Church in 1833
JAMES KENNEDY PASSES AWAY
Christian Life Of Garfield Citizen Ends
At Age of Eighty-Nine
James Kennedy a well known and
respected citizen of the Garfield neigh
borhood died last Thursaay at the age
of eightynine.
(His photo is here in the article)
Mr Kennedy was known for his
Christian ways of living and for the
part he took in church affairs. He pro
fessed religion in 1833 and united with
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
at Pleasant Grove. On October 10
1857 he moved his membership from
Pleasant Grove to Freedom. He was
a ruling elder in the church at Free
dom until death and he and his work
there will be greatly missed He lived
a pious Christian life and had great
love for the church and his family and
neighbors.
Of a large family of children reared
by Mr Kennedy seven survive to
mourn his loss.
Mr Kennedy was a Mason and one
of the best of the order. As a citizen,
Mason and a Christian he led an
excellent life.
The funeral was held Saturday
the interment being at Freedom cemetery
Rev J. S.J. Brear pastor of the
Presbyterian church at Freedom
preached the funeral sermon and the
remains were buried at the request of
the deceased by the Masonic order.
The Breckenridge news, December 23, 1908
last column under “Garfield”
The Young Peoples Society is progressing
nicely and have about fifty
members at the Cumberland Church
The Breckenridge news, December 1, 1909
last column under “Garfield”
Rev Abe Whitworth, a retired Meth
odist minister was kindly remembered
Thanksgiving with a lovely donation.
He wishes through the News to express
his sincere thanks In his own lan
guage he said God bless Bro More
field the pastor of the Cumberland
Presbyterian church who kindly sug
gested that I should be remembered.
He went to his bedside talked and
prayed with him. There was every
thing in this bountiful donation to make
him and his wife happy. A load of
coal by Mr Cleve Brock was highly
appreciated by the old people.
The Breckenridge news, March 9, 1910
last column under “Garfield”
At Garfield
The Rev R H Morefleld pastor of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
at Garfield desires all members of
said congregation to attend regular
church service Saturday before the
second Sunday In March at 2 P M
The Breckenridge news, December 11, 1918
1st column under “Garfield”
Rev. Bratcher filled his regular appointment
at the Cumberland Presbyterian
church, Sunday. He was accompanied
by Mrs. Bratcher.
The Breckenridge news, April 14, 1920
page 2
1st column under “Garfield”
The Cumberland Presbyterian Missionary
Society met with Mrs. J. W.
Bruner Wednesday
page 8 continued from page 2
1st column
The Cumberland Presbyterian Mis-
sionary Society will meet Thursday
afternoon with Mrs. C. L. Bruington.
The Breckenridge news, August 25, 1920
4th column under “Garfield”
GARFIELD
Rev. C. L. Bruington filled his reg-
ular appointment at the Cumberland
Presbyterian church Sunday.
Below this point you will find some historical information on our previous pastors and elders prior to around 1940. If you have photos or information of pre 1940 pastors or elders please pass that along.
Edwin Davis LeGrand was an elder during 1873-1885
E.D. LeGrand was an elder attending presbytery from 1873-1885 he was a Civil War Veteran, Union,PVT,Green River Battalion (State) Inf. Co. A . He also had a son who was an elder, John H. LeGrand.
A.A. Bruner was an elder and session clerk during 1895/1896
BRECKINRIDGE COUNTY HERALD NEWS OBITUARY – 08/25/1920
On August 15, 1920 at 7:30 p.m. Abram Bruner beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather departed this life after a lingering illness of many months. He bore his suffering with the fortitude of a noble soldier of the cross. He was born October 12, 1842, departed this life August 15, 1920. Age 77 years, 10 months and 3 days. His first marriage was to Miss Matildia Chaudion, to this union 5 children were born, 2 sons survive, James, of Pewee Valley, KY; and Clive, of Metropolis, IL. Deceased: Mrs. James Nichols, Mrs. John Nichols and 1 girl dying in infancy. Second marriage was to Miss Fannie Macy. To this union 6 children were born, 1 dying in infancy. The surviving are as follows: Mrs. T.C. Dyer, Mrs. Will Davis, Mrs. Oscar Davis, Mrs. John Carman and Carl, all of this county. He professed faith in God about the year 1870 at “Old” Pleasant Grove and united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at the same time. Some 25 years ago he was elected ruling elder in the church and remained faithful until death. Bro. Bruner’s work on earth is finished. He was laid to rest in the family burying ground in the presence of a host of friends and relatives. Funeral conducted by writer. He was heard to say many times in the last few weeks, “I am only waiting for the final summons when I shall cross over the river of death and be with my Saviour and my many friends where there will be no more good-byes.” His last prayer was, “Lord grant that I might go quick and easy.” The Lord granted his request, in that, it was momentarily and without a struggle. We would commend the family to Him who said, “I will be a father to the fatherless and a husband to the widow.” Also to the words of the poet: “Oh, how sweet it will be in that beautiful land, So free-from all sorrow and pain; With songs on our lips and with harps in our hands, To meet one another again. “That unchangeable home is for you and for me. Where Jesus of Nazareth stands. The Kin of all kingdoms forever, is He… and he holdeth our crowns in His hands.” C L Bruington, Pastor.
Hiram Durbin was an elder and session clerk during 1903/1904
Breckinridge County Herald-News, Friday, January 27, 1961
OBITUARY
Hiram DURBIN, age 93, a retired farmer, died Tuesday, January 17, 1961 at
his home in Irvington, Ky (Breckinridge County, after being confined to his
room for 9 weeks.
Mr. DURBIN spent the early part of his life on a farm near Garfield, Ky
(Breckinridge County), moving with his family to Irvington in 1920. He was
married to Miss Flora KENNER on February 25, 1888, and seven children were
born to this union. Preceding him in death were two sons, Lonnie and James
DURBIN, killed in World War I in 1918, his wife in 1949, and a daughter, Ruth
DURBIN in 1854. Surviving Mr. DURBIN are:
two sons:
Jesse DURBIN of Irvington, Ky
Russell DURBIN of Irvington, Ky
two daughters:
Mrs. Ella BASHAM of of Irvington, Ky
Mrs. Eugene RICHARDSON of Brandenburg, Ky (Meade County)
4 grandchildren
The funeral was held on Thursday, January 19, 1961 from the Irvington
Cumberland Presbyterian Church with the Alexander Funeral Home of Irvington in
charge of arrangements. Burial was in the Garfield Cemetery.
Additional Comments:
Breckinridge County Cemeteries, volume one, published in 1991:
Garfield Cemetery, located on the west side of Garfield on Highway 60.
Cemetery can be seen from the road.
DURBIN, Hiram born 1867 -- died 17 Jan 1961
Flora K. 1872 -- 1949
DURBIN, James 6 Jun 1895 -- 12 Sep 1918 World War I
DURBIN, Lonnie 19 Jul 1896 -- 28 Aug 1918 World War I
DURBIN, Ruth 1891 -- 1954
Peggy Russell
File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ky/breckinridge/obits/d/durbin6583gob.txt
This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/kyfiles/