Our History

Before the Civil War, black Christians belonged to the same churches as white Christians. After the war the whites encouraged the blacks to form their own churches. A notable exception was Providence Church. During the 1850's a group of free blacks and slaves began holding their own meeting in homes and out in open areas. One of the leaders who became prominent in church affairs was Isaac Scott ordained in August 1852 as the first black missionary of the Christian Church.

Although the congregation, led by Reverend Scott had been gathering informally as a church for several years before organizing with officers, the formal organization took place in 1854. The membership increased after the war by addition of free slaves, and in 1872 a small church building was erected at Railroad Road near Providence Road on the east side of Norfolk and Southern Railroad Crossing in Norfolk County. The membership at this time was approximately sixty. Several white families attended service while the church was at this location. Rev. O.D. Poythress helped the services on Sunday afternoons bringing with him members of his congregation from South Norfolk Christian Church. The black congregation continued to serve God at this location under the leadership of Reverend Charles Anderson.

The Reverend Jesse Jones succeeded Reverend Anderson and served for a number of years. After his departure as pastor, the church continued to progress under the steadfast leadership of the well organized official boards and the spirited cooperation of the congregation.

Early Growth (1896-1928)

During the administration of Reverend John Sumler, in the year 1896, a Deacon Board of Providence Congregational Christian Church was organized. The board immediately made a positive impact upon the process of the church.

Under the leadership of Reverend C.A. Harris' pastorship, the church purchased a pulpit set, new carpet tracking, individual Communion sets and painted the pews. Reverend G.T. Hall was pastor (1914-1920) and work was continued to improve the church. A galvanized roof was installed during this period of time.

Under the leadership of Reverend A.B. Jones (1920-1925) the Deacon Board purchased two lots (Providence United Church of Christ now stands on them) at a cost five hundred dollars. Then the church purchased the old Christian Church in South Norfolk owned by a white congregation of which Reverend Poythress was the pastor, for eight hundred dollars. They dismantled this church, moved the material to the present site and under the leadership of Mr. G.E. Ewing and Mr. William Anderson, work was begun to rebuild the purchased church on the new lots. The congregation departed Providence Christian Church on Railroad Road due to the age of the structure and worshiped God in Parson's Hall above old Scott's Store on Early Street in West Munden while waiting for the erection of their church.

During 1925-1926, the church was without a pastor but with Christian leadership by the deacons, the congregation continued to serve God. The church was finally completed with the first service held on the third Sunday in February 1928. The dedicatory service was preached by Reverend Polythress. The congregation kept the original bell and installed it in the church. The bell on the front lawn is the original bell dated back before 1872.

Building the Foundation (1932-1971)

In 1932 Reverend J.J. Faulk served for a short time and then Reverend G.T. Hall was called for a second time. After Reverend Hall served for a short period of time, the Deacon Board decided to worship God without a Pastor because of financial strain. From 1932-1935, the Reverend R.J. Alston, Sr., was an effective pastor of the church. Reverend Alston felt a need to have some help for the deacons of the church so he appointed some sisters to work with the brothers. In addition, he appointed two mothers of the church.

The minister who served the longest period of time was the Reverend R.R. Briggs (1936-1967). Under his leadership many improved innovations were realized. The Deaconess Board was formed; three educational rooms, an office, study room, and kitchen were added to the church. During 1957, the congregation decided to join the denomination of the United Church of Christ. Thus Providence Christian Church was renamed Providence United Church of Christ. Reverend Briggs initiated the first Church Building Fund for the building of a new church in 1961, with Sister Mattie Fleming as Chairman.

In 1967, Reverend B.E. Cox was called and served for approximately three years (1971). The congregation continued the building fund through a new vehicle, The Bond Program. Through this program, the congregation purchased a new parsonage and new organ. The parsonage was sold later. Among the accomplishments of the church during Rev. Cox's pastorship included; additional land purchase for the building of a new church, a lifetime membership in the NAACP, the adoption of an African Son and the church budget was increased.

Moving Forward (1971-1990)

Reverend V.T. Chambers received a call to pastor the church in 1971, and programs already organized continued and weekly prayer services were resumed. The spiritual and physical growth of Providence began to thrive and much of this was credited to Rev. Chambers' affable personality and ability to relate to people through his preaching, his teaching, and his other vast array of talents: singing praises to God and playing the organ with profoundness added to the contribution he offered. During Rev. Chambers administration there were several improvements made to change the appearance of the church.

Rev Clifford Thomas was the next minister called to Providence. Sunday night services began and plans for the new church were advanced under the direct leadership of trustees - Johnnie Sivills, James A. Clark, Oliver Mayo, Albert Butts, Sr., Alexander Williams, Sr., Calvin Sivills, Alpina Davis, Inez Scott and Josephine Walker. Their perseverance and Christian dedication enabled the realization of a dream come true: the entrance to the beautiful new church located at 2200 Vicker Avenue in the city of Chesapeake in 1975.

In 1979, Rev Isaac McDonald accepted a call to serve as pastor and served until March 1986. He was one of the most effective pastors Providence has ever had. An advocate of innovative ideas and practices, he made himself known as a lover of mankind and of Almighty God. The following are among the outstanding contributions made during his pastoral time at Providence: Communion for members and others administered on Holy Thursday, new members classes added, he was a counselor at the summer camp at Franklinton Center. Rev McDonald accepted a call to become a pastor of Wesley Grove UCC in Newport News, VA in 1986 and a farewell love reception was given for him and his family upon his departure.

In August 1986, Rev. Charles Brooks served as Interim Pastor. He was a Virginia Union University Seminary student and had experienced a lifetime of training in the United Church of Christ. This experience enabled him to promote a realistic demonstration of our denomination doctrine. Rev Brooks was readily received and appreciated for we could have a promised future in a young man chosen by God to administer the holy word to those willing to listen and serve to honor and glory of Almighty God.

Era of Growth (1987-2002)

In March of 1987 Rev. Dr. Samuel Varner was elected pastor. A most qualified minister in the United Church of Christ with pastoral experience of merit. Rev. Varner brought with him a profound record as a preacher of God, an outstanding humanitarian, and a teacher and counselor with special credentials in family relations, drug and alcohol abuse programs. Rev Varner was especially effective with the youth of the church. He engaged our young people in various church and community activities. The Bible School summer sessions, Sunday evening religious movies, and many outreach projects brought spiritual variety that extended the horizon of the youth as well as adults of our church and community.

During Rev. Varner's pastorate, many other projects programs were initiated including: Saturday morning prayer Breakfast, the first NAACP Jubilee Celebration, he organized and published a monthly newsletter which focused on programs and important events of the church family and the community. The newsletter was mailed to members of the congregation. He helped arrange for a church directory which was a first for Providence, a special service in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, which included writing of Dr. King's accomplishments prepared by students of all educational levels from our congregation, special Black History month programs, outstanding and well organized Kwanzaa Celebrations and a Mortgage Burning Service in 1988. Upon his resignation as pastor of Providence in 1989, the city of Chesapeake was pleased to employ Rev Varner as a Counselor for Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program.

In February 1990 Rev H. Bernard Branch accepted the Interim Pastor position and continued with existing programs and moved forward spiritually at Providence.

In December 1990, the Rev Alexander Jamison, Sr, a native of Durham, NC was elected to serve as pastor and teacher of Providence. Since Rev J's call to serve, his presence in the Chesapeake community, Eastern Virginia Association and Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ has been positive, profound and productive. He was active in local clergy associations and the Chesapeake Branch of NAACP. He was appointed to several boards and committees in the community and the United Church of Christ.

Under Rev Jamison's spirited leadership and the work of the official boards the church progressed in many ways including: dedication of children, celebration of one day of prayer, organizing various committees and groups (Evangelism, Stewardship, Thirty Something Fellowship, Baseball Team, Narcotics Anonymous, Men's Fellowship/Bible, Women's fellowship/Bible Study), and initiated numerous worship services and programs. Rev. Jamison was led by the Holy Spirit to become a pastor in New York City. Farewell service was given for Rev. Jamison and his family in June 2000.

The Providence church family was led very effectively by the Ministerial Staff - Rev. Vondell King, Rev. Dr. William Parker and Rev. Geoffrey Williams from 2000 to 2002 during the time we were without a pastor. Because of the harmony, respect, and unity of the three leaders, members and friends of Providence maintained and lived out our motto "A progressive church in a changing society serving an unchanging God."

The McDonald Era Returns (2002-2014)

In December 2002 Rev. Dr. Isaac McDonald returned to lead us for the second time. During this time with us we continued working on the new education center, implemented 10am worship service, largest installation service, Teen Bible Study, increased membership of the church, ordination of first Associate Minister of Christian Education Rev Dr. William Parker, Jr., 148th Anniversary Banquet at Grand Affair, higher attendance at conferences.

Notable achievements included: dedication of New Educational Center June 2003, feeding the community after Hurricane Isabel, over 100 Thanksgiving baskets, Prayer and Praise Service on Ash Wednesday, Prayer Partners and quarterly Prayer Breakfast, new carpeting in the sanctuary, Fall Revival to set goals for 2005, celebrated 150th Anniversary picnic, banquet in November at Chesapeake Conference Center.

During the years (2006-2009) Rev. Dr. McDonald continued many programs and God blessed us to accomplish new things: Ann McDonald commissioned as a Commission Minister, blood drive by Nurses Unit, ordination of 7 deacons, consecration of 2 deaconesses, organization of the Mass Choir, dedication of robes, Church wide picnic by Sunshine Choir, organization of Creation of Faith Praise Dancers, intergenerational Tea by Women's Fellowship, Family Style Picnic for the Outdoor service, Veteran Day Fish Fry, Community workshops by Social Action Committee.

During 2010-2014, together Rev. McDonald and members accomplished a lot. God blessed us to add four Associate Ministers (Reverends Ernest Hamlin, Dr. Luci Fleming, Phillip Callistro, and Dr. Patricia Crawley Ricks). Our focus was to become a MISSIONAL CHURCH, the Tribes spearheaded mission projects for each month, annual tribal mission Sunday was introduced, special missionary from Haiti and speaker from Bread of Life visited. Sista to Sister was a new ministry led by Rev. Dr. Luci Fleming. We honored four of our members at the EVA Outstanding Service Award. The Foodbank Ministry feeds many members of our church and community by being open three days per week.

Times of Challenge and Renewal (2015-2019)

During these years (2015-2019), the church continued to carry out many of the same programs. During this time we faced one of the greatest challenges in the life of the church, when our Pastor, Rev. Dr. Isaac McDonald, our Assistant Pastor Rev. Vondell King and a son of our church Rev. Geoffrey Williams passed within a year. We thank God for their legacy of teaching us that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. With this as our focus we were led by a spirited filled, devoted, capable, willing and available Chairman of our Deacon Ministry, Deacon Thurman Perry along with Associate Ministers, leaders, other ministries and dedicated members.

God blessed us during this time to see how God works in the midst of a storm. The ship stayed afloat without a lot of high waves for two and a half years. During this time the Pulpit Committee was appointed to seek a new pastor. In December 2017 our seventeenth Pastor of Providence was installed, Rev Avery Jerome Danage, Sr., who soon became Rev. Dr. Avery Jerome Danage, Sr. Also in February 2018 we installed our second Assistant Pastor, Rev. Ronnie Hall, Sr. a son of our church.

Present Day Leadership (2017-2024)

Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. A. Jerome Danage (2017-2019) some of the new initiatives during this period were: Mission Projects (Card Ministry, EVA Spiritual Food Project for worship services at nursing facilities, Disaster Relief Donations for Hurricane Victims and Churches, Fire Victims, Battered Women Shelter, 5/5 special offerings for United Church of Christ, Palm Sunday Crosses from Africa, Discretionary Fund, Back to school back packs, Clean up Buckets for Hurricane victims, towels for Nursing facilities, Blessing box(es) for the homeless, donations to Sickle Cell Society, and Alzheimer Walk).

New programs included: Faith Friday for the Youth and pastor, Blood of Jesus Cantata, Blue Christmas, Bible Study by Christian Education for Youth, Noon Day Bible Study, Veteran Day Celebration with New Horizon Music Ministry and formation of Praise and Worship Team and Media Team. Other accomplishments: hiring of our first Minister of Music Brother John Lassiter; meeting with the pastor lay leaders and others, increased budget, online giving, repaved parking lot, installation of security cameras, purchased new gas heating unit, a van and marquee, new manual for new members, ministry plans and adoption of Craver Intermediate in Chesapeake.

Through the Pandemic and Beyond (2020-2024)

The years (2020-2024) Providence continued to build upon a legacy of 170 years with the theme of "Remembering the past, embracing the present and striving for a better future" as we celebrate God's faithfulness to our ministry. During the pandemic our ministry has adopted and adjusted. With the integration of technology, we continued to serve Christ and fulfill our threefold vision: "CHRIST EXALTATION, CONGREGATIONAL EMPOWERMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT."

During the pandemic and beyond our leadership made significant adaptations with technology to provide worship opportunities: Park and Praise outdoor service for Sunday mornings streamed live via Facebook and Youtube, conference call and zoom for bible study, Sunday School on Monday, and 8@8 a daily online devotional with Dr. Danage, Coffee time with Pastor, Senior prayer and encouragement time with Pastor, Executive Ministry team meetings, church and church council meetings and ministry team meetings.

We developed fresh and new ministry to serve our congregation as we put emphasis on connecting and not gathering. Our Youth ministry provided Halloween Alternate - DRIVE UP, PICK UP, MOVE ON; Annual Youth Day with cookout sponsored by Sunshine Choir, outdoor Vacation Bible School, and movie night on the lawn. Black History Month Celebrations (Concert Lift Every Voice and SING; "INSPIRE to ASPIRE" moments led by each group in the Christian Education Ministry and "I AM BLACK HISTORY"); Honors and Awards Day; Favorite Team Jersey Sunday; and a joint Men's Ministry with Bethany Baptist Church "BROTHERS and BISCUITS."

Our Food Bank Ministry continued to serve our communities, serving two to three days weekly and extra times during the pandemic, and during Easter of 2021 and 2022 hosting outreach ministry food drives that provided families with food baskets for OVER 300 families. Also the Food Bank Ministry redone the food pantry and gave out gift cards.

While our ministry has adjusted, and alterations were made to serve our congregation and community we have also been able to celebrate the great things God has done in and through our ministry during the pandemic and beyond. We celebrated with guest speakers our Annual Men's Day, Women's Day, Annual Senior's Day with workshops and naming of Unsung Seniors and Veteran Day. The training and ordination of four deacons - Viola Ford, David Mayo, Michelle Thomas and Laverne Williams and deaconess Veronica Williams.

Other highlights during this time: mortgage burning service, 50th Anniversary of Governor's March in Memory of Trustee George Garrison, the Governor's March fundraising amounts 2021-$20,000; 2022-$33,000 for paying off all debts and 2023-$26,000 for pews and media update. The grants received during this period (Technology-$2,500; Foodbank-$5,000; and $60,000 from Lilly Foundation for Pastor's sabbatical and church renewal). A golf experience send off was given for the pastor to start in 2025.