About Providence
Our Mission: Equipping believers to fulfill their purpose through Jesus Christ.
Providence Baptist Church History
A group of thirteen believers met in the home of Deacon Carl Fauntleroy for the purpose of establishing what is now called Providence Baptist Church. The following persons were in attendance:
Christine Haynes, Hazel PrideHettie Stokes, Sallie Williams, Nannie Bailey, Rev. Ernest Williams, Dea. Charles Bowens, Rev. Olivia Alston, Wilbert Alston, Gilda Alston, Lillian King, Alean Fauntleroy, Cora Conde, Dea. C. N. Bailey, Dea. Carl Fauntleroy, Dea. Calhoun Brown, Ronald Pride, Egertha Alston, Ralph Southerland, Roxie Southerland
In its inception, the body of believers were known as, "Save Our Church Mission".
On Friday, May 1, 1964, a group of believers met at the Taborian Hall located at 2126 Madison Avenue in Newport News, VA at 8:15 p.m., to officially organize in to a church. Hazel Pride submitted the name Providence Baptist Church. It received a favorable vote on April 16, 1964.
The Reverend William W. Gilchrist of Newport News, Virginia proceeded with the organization of the church in accordance with the Baptist Hiscox Directory. The following ministers were witnesses: The Reverends R. R. Harris, Solomon H. Wesley, James L. Hargrave, W. W. Butler, O. B. Alston, N. C. Drew, and B. Byrd.
Deacon Horace Patterson led the pledge and it was repeated by the members of the Mission. The Reverend N. C. Drew led the Mission in taking the oath of the Baptist Covenant, followed by prayer of guidance to keep the Covenant by the Reverend W. W. Butler.
The Providence Baptist Church Missionary Circle was organized, July 16, 1964 with Sister C. C. Edwards presiding. The following officers were elected: Sisters C. C. Edwards, president, Annie Wesson, vice president, Louise Cooke, recording secretary, Mahalia Crews, treasurer, Hettie Stokes, pianist and Bible instructor, Lillie Harrison, chairperson of the Sick Committee. The first meeting was held in Sister Edwards' home with Sister Stokes in charge of the Bible discussion. The fifth Sunday was set aside as Missionary Day.
On the fourth Sunday, July 1964, the Reverend R. R. Harris installed the officers. They were as follows: Deacons Calhoun Brown, Chairman, John Flood Jr., Elijah Langley, Carl Fauntleroy, Willie Draughn, Charles Bowen, James Pope, Horace Patterson, and Vernon Wesson; Trustees: Schuyler Smith, Chairman, Clarence Pearson Sr., Ben Taliaferro, J. E. Crews, Ralph Southerland, Cheatham Davis, Clarence Jackson, and Ronald Pride; Church Clerk: Carl Fauntleroy, Assistant Clerk: Egertha Sedgwick, and Treasurer: Ronald Pride.
The Reverend Gilchrist then declared Providence Baptist Church duly organized and set apart for the promotion of the Christian Faith and the saving of souls. It was motioned and second that our Church would be guided by the Holy Bible, and constitutional requirements as adopted by the body.
On August 19, 1964, it was voted to purchase lots to build a new sanctuary and fellowship hall. Mr. Clarence Pearson, Jr., an architectural major at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) drew the plans and on May 1, 1965, the Board reviewed the plans and accepted them.
On September 24, 1964, Reverend James L. Hargrave was called as pastor. He was installed on the first Sunday in January 1965. He was married to the former Gladys M. Coleman. His tenure as pastor was from 1965-1978. View Entire History