Providence Church, Scio, Oregon

On a gently sloping hillside overlooking the Santiam Valley stands today the historic Providence church between two groves of stately fir trees. Back of the church is a well-kept pioneer cemetery. The church is located about half way between Scio and Lebanon on a side road to the east.

The early history of the Providence Church is inseparable from that of its first preacher, the colorful Joab Powell. He and his wife and 10 children --  two had died previously and two sons had preceded the family West --  arrived in Oregon in 1850 from Missouri. They took up a 640 acre donation land claim on the forks of the Santiam River.

From the moment of Joab’s conversion in 1824 in Tennessee, his consuming desire was to save sinners from eternal damnation. No small wonder that upon arrival in Oregon his thoughts turned to organizing a church. On April 9, 1853 Rev. Powell and 19 others signed as charter members.

In discussing a fitting name for this the 14th Baptist congregation to be organized in Oregon, Joab suggested, “Since Providence has led us to this place and prospered us in the forming of a church, why not call it Providence Baptist Church.” And so it has remained through the years.

The first building was constructed of logs cut and hauled from some distance. It had a shake roof and puncheon floor. Home-made tallow candles placed in holders along the sides furnished light. A raised platform with a rude desk and chairs and a mourner’s bench were at the front end. The pews were straight and hard. The log church was replaced by the present church on the same site.

Joab Powell was a big man, weighing 300 pounds with a voice of incredible volume. He was described as a rugged character, preaching a rugged gospel in rugged times. He was known to convert as many as 50 in a day. The mourners’ bench was usually crowded. Immersion was in nearby Jordan Creek with Powell immune to the chilly waters in which he stood hip deep. The church numbered 400 members, the largest of any Baptist church in the Oregon territory. It is estimated that Joab baptized 3,000 persons in his ministry....

A fitting tribute to the Powells and other pioneer members of Providence was held July 2, 1922. A thousand people gathered including a number of distinguished citizens who had grown up in the area.  Those present decided to erect a monument to the original charter members.  Funds were solicited and two years later on Sunday, June 15, 1924, the monument was dedicated.  Speakers at the event included historian John B. Horner, professor at Oregon State University (then OAC), its president William Jasper Kerr, Oregon Journal editor B. F. Irvine, and Oregonian editor E. B. Piper.  Only one of the 20 names whose names appear on the monument was present, the lone survivor was Powell’s daughter Ann Carmical.

The church stands today as a reminder of the faith of the pioneers and especially of Joab Powell who was deep-rooted as an oak, stern yet full of faith and compassion for his fellow man.