Organized in October 1886 for the African-American community in the rural area southeast of Waco, this congregation held services under a brush arbor across the street from this site until a permanent building was erected. The Rev. Ural Crain, an Anglo minister from a nearby Baptist church, led the members for a year, until they called their first African-American pastor, the Rev. Ben Crain. Throughout its history, the Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church has developed programs of music, mission and community outreach. It remains a focal point for the community and a part of the heritage of this area of McLennan County. (2002)