PEARL, Miss. (WLBT) – A local church in Pearl that has been a staple in that community for hundreds of years partially collapsed.

It sits off Old Brandon Road where church leaders say it caved in Tuesday evening.

For over 125 years, members gathered under the roof at Pleasant Grove Baptist church for worship. Sadly, that same roof came tumbling down, leaving behind bricks, debris, and precious memories.

As the wind blows, the yellow caution tape that’s placed around the caved-in sanctuary.

Church leaders and members now cherish decades of memories inside they all shared together.

“This church was one of the churches that held us together as a people and a community. This church was very historical for all of us,” said Michael Taylor, Former Member of Pleasant Grove M.B. Church.

The Pastor of the church, Bobby Carter, told 3 on your side he received that frightening call Tuesday evening that the structure had fallen in.

“I thought it was just something minor, but when I got here and saw some of them members, my heart just went out. My heart goes out to them and the community after what happened to our church,” said Carter.

Thankfully, Carter says, the church was vacant at the time it happened.

During the pandemic, Pastor Cater told us the church underwent renovations by contractors he declined to name.

However, shortly after, church leaders discovered structural issues such as noticeable cracks.

“The contractor is aware, but you know for who we are and who we represent, which is Christ, we don’t want to bash anybody even if they did do bad work. We just want to represent Christ and leave it like that,” said Carter.

The congregation has now temporarily relocated to Pearl Parks and Recreation Center for worship services.

“We just want to see this church thrive. It was doing that, but now, look what’s happened to it. It’s not a good feeling. It kind of hurt,” said Taylor.

Pastor Carter says he and other church officials plan to meet Wednesday night on how they will move forward with rebuilding.

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