The history

of Providence

“The name Providence was chosen because it was through the Providence of God that this new work has begun.”

pastor ribbins :: 1921

A burning desire To worship God and serve humanity on high plane caused group of Tennesseans to form the Tennessee Mission in Cleveland, Ohio. Rev. John Wesley Ribbins was invited to Cleveland from Memphis, to help fulfill this desire. Through God's leadership, a council met at Zion Hill Baptist Church on January 21, 1921, and the new congregation was organized. Rev. Ribbins was elected pastor. The name Providence was chosen because it was through the Providence of God that this new work has begun. The Church was incorporated by the State of Ohio on March 17, 1922.

Located first on East 35th Street, the Church moved in May of 1921 to 4309 Broadway, and then in 1929. Providence moved to 2344 East 30th Street. Pastor Ribbins served sacrificially to help the Church in it's growth, many times receiving no salary until all other bills were paid The Sunday School, Baptist Young People's Union, Missionary Society, and Senior Choir were organized in 1921. The Usher Board was organized in 1922.

PASTOR PUGH :: 1950

Providence gave birth to one other congregation, the Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Twinsburg, Ohio. Some members elected to move into this new settlement because of the long distance to travel in order to attend the East 30th Street Church. So the new congregation was formed in the home of Mr. and Mrs. McKinney. Rev. Ribbins pastored the TWO concurrents, The Lord called Pastor Ribbins home to be with Him on April 6, 1950.

The congregation then called Rev. James Henry Pugh to the pastorate, Rev. Pugh officially assumed the position as the second Pastor of Providence Baptist Church the first Sundas in November. 1950. The leadership Training Institute, Vacation Bible School. Junior Usher Bourd, Mother's Board, and Ribbins Memorial Chorus were all formed under his leadership.

Pastor Dobbins :: 1959

When the Metropolitan Housing Authority took over the East 30ch Street property to build a housing development, Providence purchased a building at 11918 Kinsman Road. While this building was being renovated, the congregation worshipped with Beulah Baptist Church on East 61st Street. This Church was pastored by the late Rev. T.R. Longmire, a longtime member of Providence. On the third Sunday, in July, 1953, the congregation formed a motorcade and proceeded from Beulah Baptist Church 10 its new home at 11918 Kinsman Road. Many souls were added to the Church during the eight ears that Rev. Pugh faithfully proclaimed the gospel to the members of Providence Baptist Church. He went home to be with the Lord on May 21, 1958.

Led by the Holy Spirit, the Board of Deacons recommended that Rev. John Edward Dobbins of East St. Louis, Illinois, become the Pastor of Providence. This recommendation was adopted by the Church on the third Sunday in September, 1959. Pastor Dobbins was presented to the church on October 25, 1959. Rev. and Mrs. Dobbins took up residence in the parsonage on December 19, 1959.

Pastor Maiden :: 1980 - Present

The church moved steadily forward under the leadership of this great gospel minister, augmented by the loyalty and faithfulness of his devoted wife, Ophelia.

Under rev dobbins’ leadership, the Federal Credit Union was added, the Leadership training school was accredited, and the Board of Christian Education and the Young Adult Ensemble were organized. During Pastor Dobbins term Providence moved from 11918 Kinsman Rd. to our current location a short distance from there, Pastor Dobbins retired in 1979 and returned to East St. Louis, Illinois.

Rev, Rodney Maiden and his wife Henrietta came to Providence Baptist Church in 1980. from Youngstown, Ohio. With youthful vigor, Pastor Maiden guided the Church in paying off its mortgage two years after his arrival. With a big vision and faith to match. Pastor Maiden reorganized the Mission Department. All auxiliary names changed to ministries. Under Pastor Maiden, Providence now has 2 Bible Class, leadership Training Class, Tape Ministry, Evangelism Team, Singles Ministry, Married Couples Ministry, "We Care' Ministry, Annual Tent Crusade, Pre-Membership Orientation Class, Radio Ministry, Senior Citizen Ministry, Mens Ministry, JAM Youth Ministry, a Scholarship Fund, Church Growth Conference, March for Jesus, and many more.

Additional properties have been purchased, and at this time, to the glory of God, all are debt free. We are looking forward to building a new facility that will include administrative offices, a new Worship Center, 30 classrooms, a chapel, a nursery, and a Family Life Center. "Eyes have not seen and ears have not heard the things God has in store for them that love Him.' AND WE LOVE HIM.