Located at Newman's Stand, Estill Co., and was known by the name of Newman's Church for about 20 years when the name was changed to Providence Church. It is understood that Elders J.J. Edwards and John Ward were instrumental in gathering this church about 1857. Most of the members who went into the constitution of this church came from Clear creek Church in Estill Co.
Newman's Church was one of 7 churches that went into the organization of Irvine Assn. in 1859. The Assn. held 3 annual sessions with Newman's Church, in 1864, 1875 and 1868.
On May 4, 1865 Elder J.J. Edwards was their pastor; Elisha Kerby clerk.
In June 1865, Elisha Kerby and Sidney Dozier were appointed ot transcribe the records from the old book to a new book.
In Aug 1865 Jefferson Martin was chosen clerk but served only a short while. Elisha Kerby again accepted the clerkship.
In May 1866 James Stacey was ordained as deacon and Elder W.B. Arvin succeeded pastor J.J. Edwards.
In July 1867 Elder John Newton succeeded Arvin.
In April 1869 Elder J.J. Edwards again became pastor and served until Dec. 1880. At this time his memorandum showed he had baptized 5673 persons and gathered 35 churches.
Between Dec. 1877 and April 1879 the name of the church was changed to Providence Church.
Elder N.B. Johnson served as pastor part of the years 1881-2.
Bro. Elisha Kerby died on Dec. 5, 1881.
In May 1882 James M. Clowers was elected clerk. In May 1882 Elder J.J. Edwards once again became pastor for 2 years.
In April 1883 I.O. Dozier was chosen clerk; later J.S. Fry was elected clerk.
In Nov. 1884 Elder T.L. Lawson became pastor and served 2 years.
In July 1885 Lawson was assisted by Elder Shelley Todd in a series of meetings and 12 were added.
In Aug. 1885 Thos. W. Turpin was chosen clerk.
In Nov. 1886 Elder J.J. Wills was accepted as pastor and served 2 years. He was assisted in a series of meetings by Elder R.R. Noel; 25 additions.
In June 1884 the church granted a license to Bro. J.T. Turpin, one of its members, to preach.
In March 1887 I.O. Dozier again was chosen clerk.
In March 1889 the church requested South Fork church to ordain Bro. James W. Paarsons to preach. Providence Church having extended to him a call as pastor. Bro. Parsons remained with them until Dec. 1889, when Elder A.B. Anderson was accepted for one year.
Providence Church of Estill Co. was admitted to BOone's Creek Assn. in 1910, reporting 14 members; Elder J.T. Turpin was pastor.
Pastors since Bro. Turpin resigned have been: Rev. P.N. Taylor, 1912; Rev. W.A.M. Woods, 1913 (membership increased to 50); Rev. T.P. Edwards, 1914 and 1919; Rev. P.N. Taylor, 1917; Rev. H.D. Wise, 1918; Rev. W.B. Kemper, 1920 and 1921.
In 1922 the church reported 18 members and no pastor.
In former years this was a strong church in Irvine Assn.
|
