In the late 1800's, there was no public place of worship in the Pleasant Gap community of Yancey County. In 1896, a group of seven individuals met in the home of Sam Ray to organize a church. These included Jess and Rebecca Robinson, their son-in-law Don Hall, William and Nancy Presnell, and Sam and Jo Anna Ray. A Sunday School was organized first and worship services were added later.
By 1911, a wooden-framed church building was constructed. Lumber and nails were contributed by local grocery store owner John Thomas. This structure was used as a church building until it was replaced by the present brick facility in 1965.
As the community grew, so did the church. Some of the first to join the church were the children of the charter members, some of whom still attend today. Deacons were elected and the church continued to increase in numbers.
From its earliest beginnings, the members took a strong interest in mission activities. The church minutes reflect that a special offering was taken "for the relief of the starving nations" in April 1919, just after the end of World War I. Contributions have been designated down through the years for the support of mission work in foreign countries, across the United States, and here in North Carolina. By the 1990's, Pleasant Gap was sending volunteer missionaries for short-term tours in Brazil, South Africa, and to other states.
