Athens in Henderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Mt. Providence Baptist Church

Photographed by James Hulse, May 19, 2024

1. Mt. Providence Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. Mt. Providence Baptist Church was first organized in 1888 in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church under Reverend F.M. Jackson. For a while the church would meet in different churches, homes and brush arbors. On April 19, 1890, church trustees S.M. McIntire, Green Wright and Henry Cook purchased land for Mt. Providence Baptist Church. In 1890, a small building was constructed and Reverend McIntire served as the first minister. At this time, church services were held once a month, but by 1902 building expansion was necessary. During the weekdays, the newly built classrooms were used to accommodate students at Blackshear School. In the early days ministers preached at several different churches similar to circuit rider preachers. Baptisms at Mt. Providence were less frequent and held at the pool near the old Harbison-Walker Brickyard during the summer.

After World War II, the government sold military buildings and Mt. Providence purchased a building from Camp Fannin located near Tyler. The old barracks became the new church home and, several years later, the structure was bricked. During the 1950s, Reverend J.C. Delly became the first full-time pastor and improvements were made to the church that included an indoor baptismal pool and a small organ. Under Pastor C.C. Taylor, a fellowship hall was added and improvements made to the church interior. Today the church is a large part of the community and makes donations to the sick and those in need, contributes to scholarship funds, visits nursing homes, donates to the African Relief Fund, distributes Christmas Cheer Baskets and operates an in-house food pantry.

Erected 2012 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17298.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is April 19, 1890.

Location. 32° 12.811′ N,

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95° 51.183′ W. Marker is in Athens, Texas, in Henderson County. It is at the intersection of North Needmore Street and Edmonson Ave, on the left when traveling south on North Needmore Street. The marker is located at the northwest corner of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 806 N Needmore St, Athens TX 75751, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Site of Blackshear/Fisher School (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Richard Columbus Fisher (about 600 feet away); 1925 Henderson County Jail (approx. half a mile away); Jess Sweeten (approx. half a mile away); Faulk-Gauntt Building (approx. half a mile away); Thomas Boucher Wood Family Cemetery

Mt. Providence Baptist Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 19, 2024

2. Mt. Providence Baptist Church and Marker

(approx. 0.6 miles away); First United Presbyterian Church of Athens (approx. 0.6 miles away); J.W. Brownlow (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.

The view of the Mt. Providence Baptist Church and Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 19, 2024

3. The view of the Mt. Providence Baptist Church and Marker from the street

Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 460 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 24, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.