Pleasant Plain Friends celebrating 175 years

PLEASANT PLAIN ? Pleasant Plain Friends Church will celebrate 175 years of ministry and mission Oct. 29.

The theme will be ?Bloom where you are planted.?

The church?s first preparative meeting was held Feb. 3, 18

41, as a new planting by a delegation from Salem Monthly Meeting. Pleasant Plain is the second oldest Monthly Meeting of Friends (Quakers) west of the Mississippi River, with Salem being the oldest.

Early services were held in silence; members spoke only when they felt led by the Holy Spirit.Current services are more mainstream, to include fellowship through music and a sermon presented by a pastor. A portion of each service is still allotted to quiet time for individual reflection and sharing if so led.

The congregation at Pleasant Plain has long supported mission projects, both globally and locally.

Worship service is held at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays by new pastor Kevin Rohr.

Rohr has a degree from Malone College in Christian Ministry, with a focus on religion and philosophy. His family includes wife Jody and children Kayla, Megan, Levi, KJ and John David. They moved to Pleasant Plain from Massillon, Ohio, in August so their children could begin the school year in the Pekin Community School District.

Rohr began serving as pastor of both Pleasant Plain and Woolson Friends churches in September.

Anniversary activities Oct. 29 include an open house for fellowship and viewing of church history and memorabilia beginning at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be available, as well as children?s activities. Dinner will be served 5-6:30 p.m., with a worship service at 7 p.m., led by former pastor Ron Bryan.