Pleasant View Mennonite Church celebrates 60 years of ministry

A celebration for 60 years of ministry will be held on Sunday, Nov. 11, at Pleasant View Mennonite Church, 1101 Lucas Street, Wayland. Worship will begin at 10 a.m. with David Boshart bringing the message. A catered dinner will follow. RSVP is requested by calling Wini Wilt at 319-385-2088.

In 1956 a group of concerned members of Sugar Creek Mennonite Church in Wayland started a Bible school for children in the Lee Town area of Mt. Pleasant. This area is located immediately to the south of Maple Leaf football stadium and track. Acting as leader of these members were Glen Richard and his wife, Margaret.

The following year, the residents of the neighborhood requested that Sunday school classes be held, and full worship services began soon after that with the group meeting in homes in the area.

By 1958, land was purchased at the present site of 1101 Lucas St. and a small church building was constructed.

The next 10 years saw significant growth in the congregation, requiring an addition of a larger sanctuary with a basement increasing the size of the fellowship room, kitchen and classrooms.

After 20 years of serving as pastor, Glen Richard resigned. He was well-known for his passion for evangelism.

Other pastors who have served over the years include Jon Abraham, Eugene Garber, Chuck Lyon, Herb Yoder, David Boshart, Marc Hershberger, Bob Hartzler, John Zimmerman, Joe Telgren III, Dave Schooley and John Yoder Schrock.

The current minister is Beth Miller.