A PLACE IN HISTORY

Providence Presbyterian Church, a unique historic site within the Presbytery of the James, has also been one of its best-kept secrets.  Very few know that this building has the distinction of being the oldest Presbyterian Church in continual use in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  It is also the only remaining example of the seven “Meeting Houses” built by dissenters of Hanover and Louisa when the Church of England was the established church.  In the early 1740’s, Samuel Morris invited a group of people to read the Bible and worship in his home.  As this group grew, he began to build “Meeting Houses” for Bible study.  Upon being called to Williamsburg to defend his actions before Governor Gooch, Morris and other dissenters declared themselves “Presbyterians.”  Governor Gooch granted them permission to worship in this denomination under the “Act of Toleration.”

Samuel Davies arrived in 1747 to minister to this group of Christians in the seven Meeting Houses.  Although he was a weak and sickly man, he had a profound impact on the move for religious freedom in Virginia.  Patrick Henry was greatly influenced by Davies’ skill as an orator.  During his tenure in Virginia, Davies taught slaves to read and sent missionaries to the Indians. Davies only preached at Providence until 1752, when the Presbytery sent John Todd to take over some of his preaching points.  Davies remained in Hanover until 1759 when he was asked to take over the Presidency of the College of New Jersey, which would eventually become Princeton University.

John Todd became Providence Church’s first pastor in 1752 and he remained in this position for 41 years.  He became a resident of Louisa County and established one of the first classical schools in the area.  This school was a forerunner of Hampden-Sydney College of which Rev. Todd was one of the original trustees.  Rev. John Todd was a supporter of the American Revolution and served as the chaplain of the Louisa Militia.  It was also during Rev. Todd’s ministry to Providence that the famous evangelist, George Whitefield, preached from the church’s pulpit.

Providence Presbyterian Church stands as a tribute to the dissenters who struggled for the religious freedom that we enjoy to this day.  Unchanged except for necessary upkeep, the simple structure stands amid oak and pine, much as it did over 270 years ago when Indians roamed Virginia forests and a few simple people met to read and study the Bible.  Providence looks back at a remarkable history with gratitude and celebrates God’s blessings on this enduring congregation.

Providence has been on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register since 1973.  Find the coordinates and more information here:  Providence Historic Registers - Wikipedia