Providence Methodist Church

Providence Methodist Church
Life Span: ~1864-1911
Location: Perch street (later Irving) between Fulton and Kinzie, one block west of Leavitt street,
Architect:

Halpin’s Chicago City Directory for 1864

Providence Mission)

Bailey’s Chicago City Directory for 1867
Providence (colored), Worships Lecture Room Union Park Baptist

Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago, for 1870
Providence Baptist Church (colored)—13 Perch street. A. Waite, pastor. Sunday school 2:30 P.M.

Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago, for 1873
Providence Baptist Church (colored)—13 Perch. Rev. John Hall. Sunday school 2:30 P.M. T. J. Elmore, superintendent.¹

Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1876
Providence Baptist Church (colored)—13 Perch. Rev. T. L. Johnson. Service 10:30 A.M. Sunday school 2:30 P.M. T. J. Elmore, superintendent.

Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1877
Providence Baptist Church (colored)—13 Perch. Rev. —————, pastor. Service 10:30 A.M. Sunday school 2:30 P.M. T. J. Elmore, superintendent.

Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1880
Providence Baptist Church (colored)—N. Irving place, near Fulton. Rev. —————, pastor. Service 10:30 A.M. and 7:30 P.M. Sunday school 2:30 P.M. T. J. Elmore, superintendent.

Lakeside Business Directory of the City of Chicago, 1899
Providence Church—13 N. Irving av. Pastor, Rev. A. L. Harris.

Lakeside Business Directory of the City of Chicago, 1907
Providence Church—(Colored) 13 N. Irving av. Pastor, Rev. E. R. Carter

Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1911
Providence (colored)—314 N. Irving av. Pastor, Rev. S. L. M. Francis

Chicago Tribune, November 8, 1870

Andy Salt, while intoxicated, on Sunday, went into a church on Perch street, and annoyed the congregation by yelling and expressing a desire to clean the house out. The sexton attempted to eject him, but desisted when Andy threw a pistol and fired at him. He dodged behind a pillar, and took Andy into custody. The pistol was loaded with powder and peas. He was fined $100.

Inter Ocean, September 28, 1873

The reopening of the Providence Baptist Church, on Perch street between Fulton and Kinzie, one block west of Leavitt street, will take place this afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. The Rev. John Gordon, pastor of the Western Avenue Baptist Church, will preach the dedicatory sermon. The Bev. E. J. Goodspeed, D. D., Elder, R. De Baptiste, and other prominent Baptist ministers, are expected to be present.

Chicago Daily Telegraph, December 22, 1878

HUMBLE WORSHIPERS.
A few weeks since The Sunday Telegraph described the domestic and social condition of the colored classes of Chicago, together with a history of their lives, surroundings and pursuits, as revealed by a thoroughly disinterested investigation.

In the narrative referred to, it was shown that, considered as a class, the colored population were in a highly successful and flourishing condition, and that in most instances they would favorably compare with an equal number of white-hued citizens.

In again adverting to the subject, it is the object of The Sunday Telegraph to call especial attention to the manner and facilities for worship enjoyed by this portion of the community, pointing out at the same time a few interesting facts regarding their several churches in the city, together with the predominating characteristics that stamp, in a peculiarly unique manner, the various denominations. Much might be said, by way of comparison at this point, about the number and variety of the costly and bedizened fanes that with architectural pomp and oftentimes repellant display, ine our most prominent and beautiful avenues, suffice it that the majestic spire but too frequently designates the location of a temple whose mortgaged indebtedness flings the odor of usury around the contribution box itself, or, worse still, to an altar dedicated to the hollow and frivolous worship of mammon. Chicago has five colored churches, three of which are of the Methodist denomination, the remaining two being Baptist.

In his tour of inspection The Telegraph evangelist was afforded an excellent opportunity for observing the methods by which the services of the evening pastie tre practed and was productive of the most pleasant and profitable results.

In many respects the worship of these people is the most perfect and unadulterated on the illimitable expanse of God’s footstool. It has been said by eminent authorities that religion, like its prototype love, is eminently an affair of the heart, and the inspired writers of antiquity have repeatedly asseverated that from the emotional reservoir of the soul spring the deeper spiritual impulses that have been most likened to the infinitely gracious attributes of the Deity. Considered from this standpoint, the colored worshippers of Chicago have secured a a liberal share of the simon-pure article.

Theology, as an abstract formula of religion, is almost entirely unknown, pastor and people being alike content with the simple creed as taught and illustrated in the life of the Master.

It is a mistake to suppose that this indifference to the existence of a cumbersome and bewildering theology arises from lack of intellectual acumen to grasp or appreciate it, the fact being that a knowledge of theology, like an acquaintance with the classics, is considered well enough to have as an accomplishment, but when taken as a substitute for the substantial concerns of life it is as barren of sustenance as the thirsty sands of Sa-hara.

The Olivet Baptist.
Most prominent among the colored churches of this city, is the Olivet Baptist Church, situated on Fourth avenue near Polk street. The Olivet is a handsome two-story brick edifice, with stone trimmings, constructed in the most substantial of styles, and while it is not calculated to attract the attention as being particularly ornate, the casual beholder will not fail to observe the admirable manner in which it subserves the purpose for which it was designed. The auditorium is large, comfortably and tastefully finished, and capable of seating from 800 to 1,000 persons.

The church, at present, has an enrolled membership of 701 persons, presided over by the Rev. Richard De. Bapiste, a man eminently qualified to discharge the duties of such an important trust. For personal appearance the pastor is remarkably prepossessing. A form tall, spare, and perpendicular as the proverbial arrow. A head and face whose distinguishing trait would seem to be a strong natural mentality, allied to an extensive acquaintance with books and a broad familiarity with the commonplace affairs of men. A clear olive complexion, brightened by a pair of broiht black eyes, fall of an expression about which there is nothing that is supercilious or shallow. As a preacher he is concise, clear, and logical, with a vocabulary sufficiently comprehensive to meet the demands of a well-educated and liberal-minded audience, who prefer a sound doctrine properly administered, rather than an empty harangue abounding in ornate figures of speech.

The Sabbath services are attended by the very elite of the colored population, and the church is frequently the scene of a fashionable wedding or week-day sociable. The Sunday-school is large and ably conducted, being under the supervision of the most enlightened members of the society,

Providence Baptist Church.
This church is situated on Perch street near Ashland avenue, between Lake and Fulton streets. The church is a small, frame edifice, comfortably adapted to the needs of its members, and capable of seating from 200 to 300 people.

The present membership of the church does not exceed seventy-five persons, owing to the fact of its having no regularly installed pastor. As the life of the former pastor, the Rev. Thomas L. Johnson, is somewhat remarkable as an example of what indefatigable labor and unconquerable will-power can achieve, a brief history is given herewith.

Commencing life as a porter on a Pullman sleeping car, he soon gained an enviable popularity for sobriety, industry, and intilligence, manifesting at the same time an intense love for books and an unquenchable thirst for study. It is natural to presume that such attributes could not long remain unnoticed, and before a great while the obscure porter was on familiar terms with Mr. Pullman, who, upon ascertaining that his employe was endeavoring to qualify himself for the ministry, and believing that his aspirations were reasonably grounded, he was taken from the road and furnished means for the most liberal course of private instruction. Subsequent developments proved that the hopes of employer and employe were well and substantially grounded, as the former porter rapidly merged into the well-bred and cultured student, who was finally admitted to the ministry, and assigned to the pastoral charge of a church at Omaha, where his ministrations were highly successful.

He was afterward transferred to the Providence Church of this city, where his labors were signalized by even greater success than at the first-named city. In the meantime it became generally known that his ulterior object was to become a missionary to Africa. In order to become qualified for the duties of this arduous post additional study was required, and after conferring with his friends it was decided that the aspiring young preacher should visit England to complete his studies, preparatory to his trip to Africa. In accordance with this decision he visited London, where he is at present pursuing his studies at Spurgeon’s college, and, having nearly completed the course, he will soon leave Europe for the missionary fields of Africa.

Colored Methodist Churches.
The number of colored Methodist churches was before given as three, the most prominent of which is known as Quinn’s Chapel, No. 42 Fourth avenue. The chapel is a substantial two-story brick structure, notably free from ornamentation, and capable of seating over 500 persons. The services are conducted by Elder Booth, whose charge at present consists of 300 members.
Elder Booth’s doctrine may be described as entirely free from the snares and sophistry that too often confound the simple practices of religion, by enveloping its ordinances in a confused Jargon of words. His doctrine, in short, is summed up in the simple text “Of Christ and Him Crucified,” and the directness with which this creed is conveyed and impressed upon his congregation is the best evidence of his success and usefulness.

The Bethel Methodist Church is located on Third avenue, between Taylor and Twelfth streets. The church is a handsome one-story brick building, and has a membership of about 250 persons, at present presided over by the Rev. J.W. Eads, whose fine executive ability has brought the church into a very flourishing condition. This is perhaps the oldest colored Methodist Church in the city, having been established over twenty years. The society is at present laboring under an indebtedness of $5,000, incurred by the destruction of building in the fire of 1874. It is their intention, however, to build an addition to the property as soon as circumstances will allow. In addition to the regular services, the society has a well-attended Sunday-school, which is said to accomplish some very effective work. The third and last of the Methodist churches is known as The Mission, located at No. 750 Hubbard street. The church is a modest frame structure, and while there is no attempt at display, there are evidences of its members enjoying within its precincts full spiritual solace. The ministrations of the pastor, the Rev. Aaron Perkins, have been attended with marked success, and the difliculties successfully combatted have called for the exercise of no mean mettle.

The enrolled membership consists of 100 persons, which, viewed in the abstract, is indeed small, but when the ratio of colored residents in that locality is taken into consideration it will be seen that the task of getting so many adults together, where the members are so widely scattered, was a difficulty attended with immense labor. In connection with the Mission is a well-conducted Sunday-school that is doing a successful and very efficient work.

Chicago Defender, July 20, 1957

Dignity Marks 95th Year of Original Providence.

By Agaliece Miller
The congregation of the Original Providence Baptist church, 217 N. Leavitt st., celebrated its 95th anniversary July 8. Without fanfare and led by ita dynamie minister, the Rev. R. Wendell Phillips, the congregation took the milestone in stride and went quietly about the business of preaching and learning the gospel as it has for all the years of its existence. For Original Providence Baptist church takes its mission seriously.

Organized July 8, 1862, by a small band of followers of the faith, the congregation first worship at 26 N. Irving ave. Soon more space was needed, and the independent little group purchased a lot and built a one-story building which was later increased to two stories to house the rapidly growing membership.

In July, 1911, the new Original Providence Baptist church which the congregation now occupies was completed and dedicated.

The church building covers a space 66×95 and has two entrances fronting on Leavitt and, Walnut streets. The main auditorium will accommodate 600 persons and this capacity is increased by additional person.

An auxiliary room, 25×50, balcony which will seat 200 ad-finance room, and a nursery are also provided. The basement has a seating capicity of 300 persons.

The Rev. R. Wendell Phillips was elected to the pastorate of the church in December, 1829. Under his administration the mortgage has been paid, a new financial. system instituted, and number of new auxiliary organizations added.

They include the Daughters of Providence; Men’s club. Courtesy committee, Nursy committee, Nurses board, Women’s auxiliary, Gospel chorus, Christian Youth council, Library committee, Fu-rum, Boosters’ committee, Editorial staff, and a Junior congregation with an entire corps of units.

One of the church’s outstanding auxiliaries, credited with having done much to promote the growth and development of the institution, is the music department, headed by William E. Myricks, minister of music.

He served for 25 years as an outstanding choral director, having. made his initial appearance as a director of the choir of Original Providence Baptist church. He returned to the church to serve as minister of music after an absence of approximately 20 years during which he served six other churches in the same capacity.

He is founder and director of the Federal and Laredef glee clubs and a voice instruetor at the Clarence Cameron White school oi music.

Associated with Myricks is Mrs. Gwendolyn McClenney, organist, who also has broad background of training and experience in the field of music. During the past 20 years she has successfully served with 12 different choral directors. She is also in charge of musie at McKinley school.

The Music Department of the church has plans in the making for a large scale pre-centennial celebration concert to be held this Fall.

Original Providence Baptist church stands as a monument to the cause of the Baptists of this city and especially of the West Side community. It is the symbol of the growth and forward development of a people, and its influence through its Sunday School, Young People’s Baptist Union, Missionary society, and other church organizations is far-reaching and an influence for great good for all mankind.

NOTES:

Edwards’ Annual Directory in the City of Chicago, for 1873
(S.) Irving (late Perch).
fr. Wilcox s. to W. Van Buren, 2 blks.

Dignity Marks 95th Year of Original Providence.

NOTES:

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