"Old
Stone Meeting House"; back of the postcard reads as follows: "On
Howards Lower Creek, Clark County, Kentucky is said to be the oldest
Baptist Church in existence between the Allegheny and the Rocky
Mountains. Built before 1796 by a colony of Baptist who came from
Virginia. It is in a fine state of preservation, and is now used by
congregation of Colored Baptists."
The book
called "Lower Howards Creek" by Dr. Clifton R. Smith. On page 44 the
following was found, "The old stone meeting house and the adjacent
second one room school. The first Providence Church was a log
building complete with portholes. This church burned and was rebuilt
with stone. It had portholes and acted as an armory. There was a
secret cellar under the pulpit for powder, shot, and guns. This
church also burned and was rebuilt. This time the entrance and
balcony were changed to what was the original back of the church.
The eleventh ford is in front of the entrance to the church."
Historical Marker 1068: Daniel Boone attended;
Squire, Jr., Samuel and Mary Boone baptized here. Church
name changed, 1790, from Howard's Creek to Providence.
William Bush, a member of Boone's second Kentucky
expedition, built the present stone structure of native
limestone. United Baptists formed here in 1801. Building was
passed to Negro Baptists, 1870. Restored after slight fire
damage, 1949.
