Providence in Cache County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Old Rock Church
Photographed By Vincent Cascio, July 7, 2011
1. Old Rock Church Marker
Inscription.
The Old Rock Church. . Symbol of Heritage , Listed on the National Register of Historical Places in recognition of its architectural and historical significance, and to encourage its preservation.
The 1869 completion of the transcontinental railroad ended an era, that of Utah’s overland pioneers. For 23 years Mormon settlers, “gathering to Zion” - a place where they could freely worship - had endured epic journeys of persistence and relentless tribulation, the best organized mass migration in American history. Leaving ancestral homes, established members and new converts, many just over from the “Old Country,” followed various routes to the “Mormon Trail,” 1,300 miles of prairie, rivers, desert and mountains, which they trekked with covered wagons and handcarts. A few of these pioneers were the founders of Providence.
On November 8, 1869 church members decided it was time to construct a meetinghouse, demonstrating architectural skills, craftsmanship and work ethic, the stalwart settlers quarried rock, milled lumber, forged iron, and within two years erected this edifice: Church, Cultural Hall and Community Center complete with theater and dance floor. It was classic pioneer architecture emblematic of the settlement of the American West. Enlarged over time to meet the needs of a growing community, it was the heart and soul of Providence where citizens would worship, socialize, work, play and carry on traditions.
In 1968 the church sold this site, ushering in yet another era. A precious legacy for all citizens, this Providence icon, though no longer a church, remains a living historic landmark where people come together and interact as we grow to embrace diversity. The rocks, mortar, beams and braces bind the generations in heritage. Our stewardship responsibility is to preserve it, utilize it as a community resource, honor the pioneer memory and perpetuate what is good. Heritage is the essence of the community, the sturdy foundation upon which we live our lives, feel a sense of place, and pursue a vibrant future.
THE OLD ROCK CHURCH BELONGS TO THE AGES
Symbol of Heritage
Listed on the National Register of Historical Places in recognition of its architectural and historical significance, and to encourage its preservation.
The 1869 completion of the transcontinental railroad ended an era, that of Utah’s overland pioneers. For 23 years Mormon settlers, “gathering to Zion” - a place where they could freely worship - had endured epic journeys of persistence and relentless tribulation, the best organized mass migration in American history. Leaving ancestral homes, established members and new converts, many just over from the “Old Country,” followed various routes to the “Mormon Trail,” 1,300 miles of prairie, rivers, desert and mountains, which they trekked with covered wagons and handcarts. A few of these pioneers were the founders of Providence.
On November 8, 1869 church members decided it was time to construct a meetinghouse, demonstrating architectural skills, craftsmanship and work ethic, the stalwart settlers quarried rock, milled lumber, forged iron, and within two years erected this edifice: Church, Cultural Hall and Community Center complete with theater and dance floor. It was classic pioneer architecture emblematic of the settlement of the American West. Enlarged over time to meet the needs of a growing community, it was the
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heart and soul of Providence where citizens would worship, socialize, work, play and carry on traditions.
In 1968 the church sold this site, ushering in yet another era. A precious legacy for all citizens, this Providence icon, though no longer a church, remains a living historic landmark where people come together and interact as we grow to embrace diversity. The rocks, mortar, beams and braces bind the generations in heritage. Our stewardship responsibility is to preserve it, utilize it as a community resource, honor the pioneer memory and perpetuate what is good. Heritage is the essence of the community, the sturdy foundation upon which we live our lives, feel a sense of place, and pursue a vibrant future.
THE OLD ROCK CHURCH BELONGS TO THE AGES
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1786.
Location. 41° 42.45′ N, 111° 49.05′ W. Marker is in Providence, Utah, in Cache County. Marker is at the intersection of 10 S Main St. and Center St., on the left when traveling south on 10 S Main St.. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Providence UT 84332, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Providence Players (a few steps from this marker); Providence Pioneers (within shouting distance of this
Photographed By Vincent Cascio, July 7, 2011
2. Old Rock Church Marker
Providence Church.
Construction of this building began under the direction of Bishop William Budge in 1869, ten years after the settlement of Providence. It was completed in 1873 at a cost of $12,800 and replaced a 32 x 16 foot hewn log structure erected in 1860. Reddish colored limestone, quarried near Dry Pole Canyon on the mountainside directly to the east, was used by head mason James Henry Brown in the 30 inch thick, 20 foot high walls. Known as “The Hall” and then as “The Church,” the meeting house had an excellent plank dance floor, a stage and proscenium at the east end of the hall, and a pump organ. It was a community center for dances and plays as well as religious services. In about 1877, a two story rock vestry was added on the east Other major additions and alterations were made in 1926, 1948, and 1968; however, the Old Rock Church of providence is one of the best remaining examples of early pioneer meeting houses.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2011, by Vincent Cascio of Logan, Utah. This page has been viewed 889 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on August 21, 2011, by Gwen Cascio of Logan, Utah. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on July 10, 2011, by Vincent Cascio of Logan, Utah. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
