ProvidenceMissionary Baptist ChurchOur story · 1957–Present
Providence has worshiped through changing locations, devastating floods, seasons of expansion, a global pandemic, and new generations of leadership. Through every chapter, God has remained faithful.
The first meeting was held at the Masonic Temple with founding members James and Sally McKinney and first pastor Rev. Roosevelt Coopwood. Prayer Meeting, Bible Study, and Mission Night were held on Wednesdays. Services moved through downtown Sandusky, Farwell Street, a Doerzbach Street garage, a Carbon Avenue porch, and a partially built house as Providence established roots in Searsville. Pastor Tucker and New Jerusalem Church helped the congregation organize.
Before Rev. Brown’s 25-year pastorate, Pastor Jordan helped revive the church, the office and children’s building was purchased, Dave Aaron became Providence’s first official deacon, and Pastor Sparks and Rev. Eddie Brown served as assistant pastors. Under Pastor Brown, the original building was expanded, a baptismal pool installed, and property acquired. A 1960s flood destroyed most early records, but the church survived. Deacon Aaron opened a building fund with $1 in 1971, and in November 1977 Providence marched into today’s sanctuary. A second lot, bus, and van followed; Rev. Samuel Mickles became assistant pastor in 1981.
After serving as interim pastor, Rev. Mickles became Providence’s fifth pastor. Additional property was acquired, Bro. Ervin McCoy erected a billboard, and a fellowship hall was built after the June 7, 1998 groundbreaking. The first worship service there was held February 21, 1999. Offices and the Pastor’s Study were renewed under Bro. Josiah Brown, Deacon Earl Brown, and Deacon Charles Shoemo. After the June 22, 2006 flood, Providence worshiped outdoors and with neighboring churches before marching back into the sanctuary October 7, 2007.
Under Rev. Dr. Scottie L. Aaron, the church strengthened its facilities, transportation, media ministry, and financial foundation, celebrating a mortgage-burning service in December 2015.
Rev. Joseph M. A. Strong accepted the call on April 29 and was installed September 30. Providence embraced Belong, Believe, Become, strengthened ministry systems, expanded technology and digital giving, and renewed its community focus.
Providence continued worship through parking-lot services and online ministry, made major media upgrades, and reopened the sanctuary on April 4, 2021.
Providence marked its 65th anniversary with a year of events, culminating in anniversary worship on August 21, 2022 with Rev. Dr. Scottie Aaron preaching.
Minister Brittany Wilson became the first woman in Providence’s history to be licensed to preach, an important milestone in the church’s continuing story.
Severe storms flooded all three church buildings on August 24, 2023. Members gathered to clean, pray, and begin again; Eagles Nest Church and Ebenezer Baptist Church helped Providence continue worship. Deacon Earl Brown and Bro. Theodis Beckum performed major restoration work throughout the property. The congregation returned to the fellowship hall December 24, 2023 and to the renewed sanctuary May 5, 2024, with a new media booth, repurposed offices, enhanced pulpit staging, and other improvements.
Providence continues toward its 70th anniversary as a resilient, growing, intergenerational church—loving God, loving people, building disciples, and serving Sandusky.
Our mission
We evangelize, teach, encourage, edify, provide outreach ministries, and worship Almighty God in Spirit and in Truth at The Place of Providence.