Old Providence Church

Contributed by Mary Hatton

"Old Stone Meeting House"; back of the postcard reads as follows: "On Howards Lower Creek, Clark County, Kentucky is said to be the oldest Baptist Church in existence between the Allegheny and the Rocky Mountains. Built before 1796 by a colony of Baptist who came from Virginia. It is in a fine state of preservation, and is now used by congregation of Colored Baptists."

The book called "Lower Howards Creek" by Dr. Clifton R. Smith. On page 44 the following was found, "The old stone meeting house and the adjacent second one room school. The first Providence Church was a log building complete with portholes. This church burned and was rebuilt with stone. It had portholes and acted as an armory. There was a secret cellar under the pulpit for powder, shot, and guns. This church also burned and was rebuilt. This time the entrance and balcony were changed to what was the original back of the church. The eleventh ford is in front of the entrance to the church."

 

Historical Marker 1068: Daniel Boone attended; Squire, Jr., Samuel and Mary Boone baptized here. Church name changed, 1790, from Howard's Creek to Providence. William Bush, a member of Boone's second Kentucky expedition, built the present stone structure of native limestone. United Baptists formed here in 1801. Building was passed to Negro Baptists, 1870. Restored after slight fire damage, 1949.
Photos Contributed by Sheryl Haggard