In 1832 The Plains Presbyterian Church was organized and has served the community well ever since. There were 27 charter memebers. For a time there was no regular minister. The Rev. A. O. B. Ogden and the Rev. Jaleel Woodbridge served for a time and the Rev. Frederick Ernst came in 1841 as the first regularly installed minister. Even during the time of the supply ministers, the little church did not stand still. The building was enlarged, gallery for the colored people was added to one end, a Sabbath School was organized, and a library for the children was provided. The Rev. Ernst served the community for thirteen years, and the indications are that it was a period of great growth. The church was remodeled and painted, and a new source of revenue was hit upon. Pews were installed and their rentals applied to the preacher's salary. Mr. Ernst established a school for boys, which is said to have been of great benefit to the community. It was duirng this time that revivals first became a part of the church program and an early historian says "Christians were stirred to greater vigilance, those out of the church were gathered in and the meetings moved upon the hearts of the young persons so that nearly all of them came forward and united with the people of God." At another place the chronicler speaks in a nostalgic vein. She says "During protracted meetings we always had dinner on the ground, two sermons a day and frequent prayer meetings at private homes. These meetings were well attended and harmony prevailed. They were generally held in August when the farmers' crops were laid by." The Rev. Ernst, for whom the records hold nothing but praise, died of yellow fever while on a summer vacation. His congregation was inconsolable, and it is said that they met and draped their house of worship in mourning that was not removed until long after they had secured the services of another minister. from No Greater Foundation by Julia Holden Garner, 1960 page 10.
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