Celebrating a Rich History

at Log Providence Church in Columbia, MO

Our Humble Beginnings

Just outside of Columbia, Missouri, down a scenic gravel road and nestled in the peaceful woods lies Log Providence Missionary Baptist Church - also known as "The Log." This historical place of worship was founded in 1866 by freed slaves shortly after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Previously, they were members of New Salem Baptist church located on Hwy. 63 towards Ashland.


After emancipation, New Salem leadership deemed it more beneficial for the Negros to form their own church. As some of today's members describe it, "they got tired of sitting in the back pews or tucked away in the balcony." Thus, Log Providence Church came into existence.


The land where Log Providence is located was acquired from Eli Bass who was a prominent citizen and large land proprietor in Boone County. Having no church building at first, founding members built a brush arbor as a place for them to gather together and worship there on the property.

Group of men, women and children - standing on the Log Providence Property with the forest in the background.

Then, men of the church constructed the first building in 1867 with 1500 logs cut from the church property, shaped and assembled by those same men. They donated their services, money, and time for its construction and it bore the name of Log Providence -


"The providence of God led us to build this log church."


Log Providence soon became the central meeting place for freed slaves in the Three Creeks Community.

A black and white photo of a large group of church members in front of the church

The membership increased in number and prosperity and the deed for the land was paid off on April 28, 1871 for the amount of $20. In 1879 the brush arbor church was torn down (this area became the current cemetery) and the log church building was dismantled and replaced by a wood frame structure. 

Thomas Bass, The Great Horseman

A portrait of Thomas Bass, early member of Log Providence.
Pastor Ballenger at the pulpit praying, with 1889 chairs in the background.

1889 the church roll consisted of 175 members and the pulpit chairs were donated by founding member Tom Bass, The Great Horseman, from Mexico MO.

After a few years, the church was destroyed by fire and another frame church was built in 1925 with Reverend Grant Hayes as pastor.


The basement and kitchen were built along with sidewalks, improvements to the roads were made, and a bus was purchased with Reverend Coleman as pastor. There have been a total of 25 pastors at Log Providence, including Pastor David P. Ballenger.


Under Pastor David P. Ballenger’s leadership, progress has continued with many improvements. Most recently, the vestibule was added in 2019 and the church annex was completed in 2023 providing for the church a commercial kitchen, dining area with AV technology, a conference room, classrooms and new bathrooms.

The new addition to the Log Providence church in construction.
The inside of the new addition at Log Providence Church.

As you might imagine, Log Providence has a long and deep history of having a spirit of gratitude and faithfulness when it comes to being able to gather, fellowship, and worship God. It is a common bond among members past and present. We know that the church is not about the gathering place. It is about the gathering together of God’s children on one accord to fellowship and give Him praise and feel the presence of His Spirit. It is a privilege and an honor to be able to do so, and it is a joy and a refreshing, as well.


We welcome you to join us and become part of our family of believers!

Your spiritual community awaits.