Our History
The New Providence United Methodist Church (NPUMC) is one of the mother churches of American Methodism. We are indeed an old and historical church.
Documented historical investigations by Dr. Vernon Hampton, noted Methodist historian, have established evidence of Methodist preaching and organization in New Providence in 1786. Many of the church's early preachers and members had participated in the Revolutionary War.
Initially Methodist meetings were led by itinerant preachers who met with all kinds of people in members' homes. The first Methodist ministers were earnest and zealous men who rode miles to carry God's message. Some laymen thought they were actors filled with "witchcraft" but Methodist membership continued to grow. Groups of Methodist worshipers were formed into classes or societies and the societies were organized into circuits.
New Providence was the center of a circuit. Union Village and New Providence churches had been joined as a station since 1836 but separated in 1914.
Until 1803 services were held in private homes. In that year the church people erected a church building but did not finish the interior until seven (7) years later. The original church was a 40 X 40 foot wooden structure with galleries built on the sides and front end of the building in what is now the cemetery area.
The current church building was built in 1856-57 with the wings added in 1960 and 1970 (Fellowship Hall). In the early 1950s ground was broken for the educational building and it was formally consecrated a year later. In 1966 the Methodist Church became the United Methodist Church by merging with the Evangelical United Brethren church and continued to grow. Over these many years NPUMC has been led by noble pastors and by countless gifted and dedicated lay persons whose faith had been witnessed through our church.
Documented historical investigations by Dr. Vernon Hampton, noted Methodist historian, have established evidence of Methodist preaching and organization in New Providence in 1786. Many of the church's early preachers and members had participated in the Revolutionary War.
Initially Methodist meetings were led by itinerant preachers who met with all kinds of people in members' homes. The first Methodist ministers were earnest and zealous men who rode miles to carry God's message. Some laymen thought they were actors filled with "witchcraft" but Methodist membership continued to grow. Groups of Methodist worshipers were formed into classes or societies and the societies were organized into circuits.
New Providence was the center of a circuit. Union Village and New Providence churches had been joined as a station since 1836 but separated in 1914.
Until 1803 services were held in private homes. In that year the church people erected a church building but did not finish the interior until seven (7) years later. The original church was a 40 X 40 foot wooden structure with galleries built on the sides and front end of the building in what is now the cemetery area.
The current church building was built in 1856-57 with the wings added in 1960 and 1970 (Fellowship Hall). In the early 1950s ground was broken for the educational building and it was formally consecrated a year later. In 1966 the Methodist Church became the United Methodist Church by merging with the Evangelical United Brethren church and continued to grow. Over these many years NPUMC has been led by noble pastors and by countless gifted and dedicated lay persons whose faith had been witnessed through our church.
Ministries, Committees & Church Life at NPUMC
At New Providence United Methodist Church (NPUMC), our active congregation engages in a wide variety of ministries and committees that support our mission of faith, service, and community. Below is an overview of the groups and their responsibilities that help shape the life of our church:
Board of Trustees
Oversees the maintenance and care of church property, real estate investments, and legacy gifts.
Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC)
Manages staffing matters, including staff duties, evaluations, and compensation.
Finance Committee
Monitors the church’s financial health and manages budgeting and financial planning.
Church Historian
Preserves the history of NPUMC by maintaining important church records and documentation.
Music Ministry
Enhances worship through live and virtual musical offerings, including vocal and instrumental performances.
Sunday School
Develops educational and community programs based on relevant and engaging topics, welcoming participation from both religious and secular groups.
Stewardship Committee
Leads financial giving initiatives, encouraging support for local, state, and global ministries.
Worship Committee
Enriches worship experiences through seasonal sanctuary decorations and support for worship services.
Missions Team
Responds to the needs of church members and the broader community by providing supplies, financial assistance, and spiritual support.
United Women in Faith
Advocates for women, children, and youth around the world. Open to all women in the congregation.
Grounds Beautification Committee
Maintains and enhances the church’s landscaping and outdoor spaces.
Earth Care Committee
Promotes environmental stewardship through projects like the Serenity Pollinator Garden and the TREX Challenge, a plastic recycling initiative that earned new benches for our property.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Creates and distributes hand-knitted or crocheted shawls, scarves, prayer squares, and afghans to provide comfort and encouragement. All items are blessed before being shared.
Advisory Council
Coordinates and reports on the work and progress of all church ministries and committees.
Board of Trustees
Oversees the maintenance and care of church property, real estate investments, and legacy gifts.
Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC)
Manages staffing matters, including staff duties, evaluations, and compensation.
Finance Committee
Monitors the church’s financial health and manages budgeting and financial planning.
Church Historian
Preserves the history of NPUMC by maintaining important church records and documentation.
Music Ministry
Enhances worship through live and virtual musical offerings, including vocal and instrumental performances.
Sunday School
Develops educational and community programs based on relevant and engaging topics, welcoming participation from both religious and secular groups.
Stewardship Committee
Leads financial giving initiatives, encouraging support for local, state, and global ministries.
Worship Committee
Enriches worship experiences through seasonal sanctuary decorations and support for worship services.
Missions Team
Responds to the needs of church members and the broader community by providing supplies, financial assistance, and spiritual support.
United Women in Faith
Advocates for women, children, and youth around the world. Open to all women in the congregation.
Grounds Beautification Committee
Maintains and enhances the church’s landscaping and outdoor spaces.
Earth Care Committee
Promotes environmental stewardship through projects like the Serenity Pollinator Garden and the TREX Challenge, a plastic recycling initiative that earned new benches for our property.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Creates and distributes hand-knitted or crocheted shawls, scarves, prayer squares, and afghans to provide comfort and encouragement. All items are blessed before being shared.
Advisory Council
Coordinates and reports on the work and progress of all church ministries and committees.
