A Brief History of Providence Methodist
"The Love of Christ Constrains Us"
The Beginning: The Providence Society
A group of 140 Wesleyans came together for what was to become the first meeting of the Providence Society, the rural settlements on the outskirts of Barbican, Hope and Mona Estates gave no indication of the busy suburban center it was to become. In the 1830's, the Wesleyans who had passed through a period of bitter persecution of their Ministers, were gathering increasing numbers into Fellowship and for the members of this area, Coke was the nearest chapel.
Thanks to the devotion and energy of the Ministers of the Kingston Circuit, and in particular the Rev. James Edney, it was possible to report to the District meeting of January 1843 that at Providence a society had been formed and a neat chapel erected.
It was not long before a day school was started in 1844, even though the Negro Education Grant was coming to an end, and no government support could be expected.
The period which followed this hopeful beginning was a difficult one. The neighboring estates ceased production, and many members lost employment. The cholera outbreak of 1850 spared the lives of the Wesleyan Ministers, but many members succumbed. Many stations were abandoned, but Providence survived. By the time conditions improved in the 1860's the little chapel proved inadequate. The proposal for a new chapel was sanctioned by the District Meeting of January 1871. The building was completed in 1878
For the Next 50 years, Providence continued to prosper. Matilda's Corner was a small commercial center and the area was well populated. By 1880, the Society had raised funds and constructed a new school-house comprising also the teacher's house. The church and school were served by a number of dedicated men. The Minister managed the school and the Head Teachers were the lay preachers, Sunday School superintendents and active participants in the life of the church.
As the number of stations in the Corporate Area increased, the Circuits were reorganized. After being in the Kingston Circuit for over fifty (50) years, Providence was shifted first to the Wesley Circuit and then to the Lyndhurst Circuit. But while the city churches were growing and changing, Providence began to decline in numbers. It was not until the 1950's ( almost seventy years later) when the suburban development of Kingston began to catch up with the Hope Area that Providence received new life.
The University of the West Indies, the housing estates of Mona Heights and Hope Pastures and the opening up of the Water commission lands brought an influx of population to the area and to the Providence Society.
The Day School never ceased to increase in numbers. A new school building and teacher's cottage had been built with assistance from Government, but the financial burden of maintenance gradually
became too much for the small Society. The school was handed over to the Ministry of Education and re-sited off the Barbican Road The Church still maintains links with the New Providence School.
Centenary Celebration Plaque - Affixed to the side of the current church building
New Providence School now relocated - Behind National Chest Hospital
The well-constructed church building survived the 1907 earthquake and the 1951 hurricane without major calamity. The roof was replaced and the vestry and chancel added during the time of Rev. Atherton Didier and the late Rev. Aldous Alexander. Rev. Albert Aymer presided over the demolition of the old teacher's cottage and the transformation of the dilapidated school building into the present church hall ( Now referred to as the Old Church Hall).
In September 1976, Providence became the leading church in a new Circuit including Gordon Town, Constitution Hill and Christ Church (Bavin's Church). Dallas Methodist was added to the Circuit later on. In1978 the Church celebrated its Centenary Anniversary with special activities beginning with the rededication of the chapel which had been transformed by the talent and interest of Bro. Hal Lawson. Since then a gallery has been built to accommodate the growing congregation; a new organ has been acquired; and adequate sanitary conveniences have been provided.
Physical improvements, however, are not alone a mark of the progress of a Church. Unless there is a stirring of the Holy Spirit and tangible expression of the love and dedication of all the members, real progress will not be made. After the damage to the Christ Church building by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, that congregation was incorporated and welcomed into the Providence Society. Members have become involved and participate fully in their new Church home.
We pray that there will be given to us the necessary humility, grace and courage to build in future upon the foundation so well laid.
Establishment of Providence Circuit and Other Recent History
- Adapted from the Providence Handbook