Graham in Alamance County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Providence Church & Cemetery
First building erected c. 1763
Side A
Providence was a gathering spot for pioneers in the Haw River basin. Many families and denominations during the eighteenth century used this cemetery. Many early settlers including members of the Turrentine, Sellars, Holt, Harden, Andrews, Trollinger and Long families are buried here.
When the Christian denomination was founded in 1792, Providence became one of its first churches under the influence of founder James O'Kelly.
One of the earliest schools in the area, Providence School trained leaders for the young state. One of the earliest public libraries was here.
Side B
Located on the stagecoach line, Providence hosted the organizational meeting of Alamance County on April 24, 1849. The Orange County Court previously had met in Providence Church and the first meetings of the Alamance Court were in the church.
Meeting at Providence in September 1888, the Christian Convention voted to establish a new church school that led to the founding of Elon College. Providence's pastor, Dr. William S. Long, became the first president of the new college.
This Providence Church building, erected 1872, was moved 225 feet south to expand the cemetery. Original site in cemetery is denoted by granite markers.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Colonial Era • Education • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is April 24, 1849.
Location. 36° 4.818′ N, 79° 24.382′ W. Marker is in Graham, North Carolina, in Alamance County. Marker is on North Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 819 North Main Street, Graham NC 27253, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1763 Providence (within shouting distance of this marker); Pioneer Plant (approx. 0.7 miles away); Montwhite Building (approx. ¾ mile away); Built to House the Alamance Gleaner (approx. ¾ mile away); The Harden House (approx. ¾ mile away); Wrike Drug (approx. 0.8 miles away); Alamance County War Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Alamance County Confederate Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Graham.
Additional keywords. Graham, Burlington, Mebane, Mebanesville, Haw River, Alamance
Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2010, by Paul Jordan of Burlington, N. C., U. S. A.. This page has been viewed 1,402 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 7, 2010, by Paul Jordan of Burlington, N. C., U. S. A.. 7. submitted on April 7, 2013, by Patrick G. Jordan of Graham, North Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.