A native of Los Angeles, Pastor Earl Alfred Pleasant was born on April 20, 1943, to the Reverend Dr. Earl Amos Pleasant, the organizer of Mount Moriah; and Olga Mae Williams Pleasant. He accepted Christ at six years old and was baptized by his father. After graduating from Los Angeles High School in 1961, Pleasant continued his education at Los Angeles Trade-Tech College and Metropolitan Business College where he earned an Associates Degree in Business Administration. He also completed courses at Biola College and Golden Gate Theological Seminary. Pleasant received his Doctor of Divinity degree from California Theological Seminary. Pleasant served four years in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged at the Ramey Air Force Base in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico in 1966. Accepting the call to preach in 1974, he was ordained in June 1975 and founded Greater New Bethel six months later. Under his leadership, the congregation increased to more than 500 members, several ministries focused on the youth and adults, community outreach was implemented, and the church purchased an educational building and parking facilities. In addition, Pleasant held executive positions in several faith organizations including secretary-treasurer of the Fellowship Baptist District Association’s Evangelical Board and the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. (NBCA). Also, he served as NBCA's second vice president and on the executive board of the Heritage Music Foundation. Pleasant’s wife of 27 years, Joan Patricia Louise Pleasant; his daughter, Pauline; and his sister, Lydia Pleasant Muse, preceded him in death. His daughter, Joan P. L. Pleasant; sisters, Norma Pleasant Beard, Margaret Pleasant Douroux, Deborah Pleasant Lindsay, and Enez Pleasant Hunter; adopted brother, Quaford Coleman, and other relatives, friends, and members will continue to treasure his life.