Our History

This congregation of the Church of Christ was organized in New Providence, Tennessee in 1889. From old church records we find! We whose names are undersigned met together at the Christian meetinghouse in July 1889, and organized ourselves together in the capacity of Christian worship. Among those signing this record were Brothers John K. Smith and James Rossiter as elders along with W.C. Smith, R.B. Adkins and William Harrelson as deacons.

The congregation continues to meet at the original location at the corner of Beech and Chapel streets, although an additional Lot fronting on “the highway, now Providence Boulevard, was acquired about 1965. From 1889 to 1956 the meetinghouse was a large! One room, frame building which faced Beech Street. It was heated during the winter by one large pot-bellied stove and during the summers it was cooled by vigorous application of hand-held funeral fans.

 In 1957 a new facility was completed with enlarged auditorium space and classroom facilities. Improvements included central heat and air conditioning, a public address system and even running water and restrooms. The first worship service was held in this new facility in June 1957 with Brother James Lamberth delivering the sermon and Brother Dick Cooper serving as song leader.

 Additional classroom space was added in 1963 on the east side of the building and in 1967 classrooms were added on the west side, the present auditorium was completed in December 1974.

 During the first half of the century the congregation worshipped without a full-time minister. Much credit in the Lord’s service must be given to Brother F.P. Taylor who labored for many years with this congregation, often with little financial support. Some who are remembered as having preached for this congregation during the first half century as part-time preachers and at gospel meetings are Brothers F.P. Taylor, H. Leo Boles C.E.W. Dorris, AC. Pullias Sr., C.J. Garner, Charles R. Brewer, James Bales, Willard Collins, J.P. Sanders, Ira North, Monroe Scott, Wendell Winkler, Bill Walton, Clarence Dailey and Joe Dunn.

.During the early 1950’s the congregation was able to have a regular minister to work with them. For a number of years Brother James Lamberth commuted from Nashville, both during his student years at David Lipscomb College and after completing his studies there. Next, Brother Lytle P. Jones labored with the congregation for a number of years in addition to teaching in the Montgomery County School System.

The first full-time minister to serve with the congregation was Brother Coleman Crocker in 1963. The succession of ministers following Brother Crocker were Paul Askew, Landon Hatley, Fred Davis, Wilford Mobley, Paul Askew a second time and John Maltais.