Providence Baptist Church

We have grown up with America, and we rejoice in God’s mighty work through this fellowship.

Providence Baptist Church was founded on November 14, 1801. As such we are the oldest Baptist Church in Beaver County.  Mr. And Mrs. Ezekiel Jones opened the doors of their log cabin to 21 members that had traveled many miles through the forest and over streams without bridges to worship.

In 1807 the members started a building fund for a church building and each male member agreed to pay 50 cents “on the next day of business” and 12 ½ cents every three months.

By 1818 the church had grown to 62 members and in 1845 a new frame church with steps of cut stone was built on a hill not far from the old log cabin.

During the month of April 1856 the church was completely destroyed by a great windstorm.  North Sewickley Presbyterian Church offered the use of their building every other Sunday until Providence was rebuilt.  Thus began a fellowship between the two churches that has continued to this day.

The newly built Providence Sanctuary was ready by November 1856.  Sunday School began at 9:30 a.m. and preaching at 4:30 pm.   Going to church usually took all day. 

By 1887, the church membership had swelled to 300.

The church was remodeled in 1889 at a cost of $700.00.  The stained glass windows and baptistery were added.  Before that time baptisms were done in the Connoquenessing Creek even if that meant breaking the ice in the winter.

The stained glass window that is over the baptistery was dedicated on September 24, 1939.  It was made entirely by hand by Valentine d’Orgries of New Hope, PA and contains 1001 pieces of colored glass.

The addition of a sitting room and classroom spaces was added in 1951 which allowed for more areas for Sunday School classes.

In more recent years the Parsonage was added and in 2006 was renovated to add a larger dinning area, bedroom, Pastor Study and bathroom.

Providence Baptist influence has been felt throughout the area as in 1849 they helped start Harmony Baptist Church on New Castle Road and in 1893, started a mission church in Ellwood City, which later became the First Baptist Church of Ellwood City.

Today we are still reaching our community and around the world through support of missionaries in several different countries and continue to add to those supported every year.