About New Providence
The New Providence Church has been in existence since 1829. Its deep roots go back into the 1700’s when Scot-Irish pioneers moved to America and settled in Maryland, Tennessee and Virginia. As anti-slavery and pro-slavery became issues at that time, movement into Illinois and Indiana became a reality. A church was established in the Sugar Creek Township southwest of Terre Haute, IN by pioneers who had moved from Tennessee. This was around 1818. In the 1820’s these folks moved into IL and settled near Sugar Creek in Elbridge Township. With no building to hold services in at that time, the families joined other families at the New Hope Church which was about 10 miles from this area. By 1828 again controversy broke out over slavery and temperance. Whether this was the primary cause or just a factor, the families near Elbridge were led by Rev. Clayton Young and the New Providence Presbyterian Church was officially formed. The first service was held May 16, 1829. Members met out of doors and in member’s homes until the first structure was built in 1836.
Like all small rural churches, there were many ups and downs but the perseverance of the leaders, officers, ministers and entire church members kept the church together. The first church lasted until 1850 when a log structure was replaced with a frame building. In 1947 the current church was built. The church also purchased the New Providence School building in 1949 and in 1954 it was converted into a manse. The church has undergone additions in 1950 to add a kitchen and two bathrooms in the basement, in 1970 to add two large classrooms on the ground level and in 2004 to build a 30 x 90 addition which includes a kitchen, pantry, large fellowship hall and three bathrooms. The church is located 12 miles southeast of Paris, IL. Ground around the church consists of 27 acres with a large grass lot for recreation, a lake and an outdoor shelter.