(Disciples of Christ)
History
Vardiman serving as the first
minister by the mid-1820's. Kentucky's congregation came
under the influence of noted reformers Thomas and
Alexander Campbell. Their teachings included open
communion, membership by simple professions of faith, and
a rational approach to the scriptures. As Providence grew
and developed its own personality, it moved toward the
position of the reformers. The Elkhorn Baptist
Association became considered and, after unheeded
warnings, voted to kick the church out of association in
1830. The mother church, South Elkhorn, follows in 1831.The congregation soon became a part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as a result of a merger in the Reform movement. Since 1832, Providence has affiliated itself with the Disciples, a product of Kentucky frontier in the 19th century.
Providence had unique beginnings and diverse membership, even in the early 1800s. The original roll included numerous slaves listed as full members of the church and, in 1828, the congregation appointed Elizabeth Nicholas, an African-American sister, to attend a Meeting of State Missionary Society as one of their delegates. The historical records of the congregation show that Providence offered worship and membership opportunities to both slaves and slave owners.
Typical of many rural congregations in the 1800s, Providence was served by part-time preachers and traveling evangelists. One of the more prominent members was Jessamine County resident Jacob Creath, Jr. who served the congregation as pastor. Another noted pastor was J.W. McGarvey, who also served as the president of the College of The Bible (now known as Lexington Theological Seminary). McGarvey was known as a staunch opponent to higher biblical criticism and was characterized by contemporaries as, "a marrow-minded foe of liberal education." Nonetheless, such criticism did not diminish his influence in the denomination.
Other prominent ministers in the Christian Church have served in the pulpit at Providence. Robert Milligan, for whom Milligan College in Tennessee is named, is one example. Milligan authored "The Scheme of Redemption" in 1869, which became a significant document in the formation of the Disciples theology. Frank Rose, former President if Transylvania University, also served Providence. Jim Seale, past curator of the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, served the church while a student at Lexington Theological Seminary. More recently, the congregation was led by Rev. Milton Lowe, who was the youth minister and then pastor from 1976 to 1994.
Two buildings stand together on U.S. 27 and are the second and third buildings to house the congregation. The original church "Meeting House" was lost to tornado in 1849. When the congregation rebuilt the church in 1850, the official board minutes note the decision "to change the direction of the house placing the end of the new buildings towards the road." This building served the congregation well, and the current church building was dedicated in 1917. At that time, the older structure was purchased by the Jessamine County School System and became Providence School. The building continued in this capacity until the 1950s when it was sold at an auction. The 1850 building has survived two fires and still stands proud next to the current facility.
From its humble beginnings as an offshoot of South Elkhorn, the church has grown to over 290 members. Children and Christian education are high priorities. Members are actively involved in local mission projects and world outreach. Disciples of Christ ordained their first female minister in the 1880s and have recognized the leadership of women and their importance to the church since that time. At Providence, women serve alongside men in committees, boards and at the Communion Table.
Today, Disciples continue the traditions of Stone and Campbell regarding faith and reason as important ingredients to salvation. Members are encouraged to seek out the meaning of scripture on their own, without an official church doctrine. The denomination encourages freedom of expression and diversity of thought. Currently the Disciples have nearly 1 million members in the U.S. and Canada. Providence Christian Church is located at 4650 Nicholasville Road and is served by the Rev. Gerald R. Johns, Jr.
Over the years, Providence has established itself as a progressive church with strong ideas and even stronger members. Providence has survived change, controversy and the elements to become an active, loving church. The congregation looks forward to serving the needs of Jessamine and Fayette counties well into the next century.