The Simpson Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Providence, Kentucky, is the largest church both in structure and membership in the Kentucky Synod. During and after the Civil War, when the slaves of the country were thrown upon their own resources for the things necessary for life and happiness, for a time they were somewhat at sea. What we say of many of the slave population in general was no less true of the emancipated black of the Providence community.

Later in the community a revival was held at the Mount Moriah Church, and shortly afterwards, another revival was held at Sneed's Chapel. Converts from these revivals with the small band of Christians already present, the first Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Providence, Kentucky was organized. The organization took place in the Johnson schoolhouse. The officers were Elders Jack Price, Harry Parker and Dempsy Jenkins. The deacons were Phil Headly and William Bruce.

The pastor, Rev. Graham, was a grave old man, who was limited in education, but who had a broad vision and an unwavering trust in God. He, with his five elders who were brothers Jack Price, Harry Parker, Dempsy Jenkins, Dan Hogoard and Tom Stanley might be thought of as the real founders of this particular church.

The ministers that have pastored the Simpson Chapel Church were Rev. Graham and Rev. Carey. In 1876 a splendid Christian gentleman, named Rev. E. J. Simpson served as pastor and when he resigned in 1901 the membership was two hundred and twenty-four. After Rev. Simpson retired, Rev. Bayliss was called to become the pastor. Following Rev. Bayliss was Rev. Clark, who served until 1907. It was under Rev. Clark's pastorate that the first $1,000 was raised for the present building. As an historical remembrance, on that Sunday that the $1,000 was raised, the elders and deacons armed themselves with rifles, and shotguns as they sat up all night long guarding the money until Monday morning when the money was taken to the bank. This incident took place in the home of Rev. Clark.

Rev. Clark was considered to be a historian and he knew the church doctrine. He was a clean moral man who was loved by his congregation.

Among the other ministers belonging to the Kentucky Synod and who pastored Simpson Chapel was Rev. C. Rowlette. He was a lovely Christian leader, systematic and fair in his church management. Rev. R. L. Carter, a young minister from Tennessee, was later called and he served the church until 1939.

In 1940 a splendid elderly gentleman from Alabama, known as Rev. Sanford, was called. His pastorate was cut short by the icy hand of death; then Rev. Leivall served for a few weeks, and he accomplished more. He organized "The Jericho Travelers" which was a singing group.

Rev. L. J. Jennings was called in the fall of 1940. During his pastorate, he introduced the plan which placed the financial responsibility for finance in the church entirely on the membership, and which did away with solicitations and entertainment in the church.

Thereafter, Rev. O. Nichols became pastor. Later still, a young minister who was loved by his congregation because of his good moral behavior and his Christian spirit whose name was Rev. H. T. Ray, followed the late Rev. O. Nichols. Following him was Rev. L. B. Tinsley, an educated and fine Christian leader became the pastor; and he served well until heath prompted his resignation. Rev. Trabrel and Rev. Carver served a few short months.

In the fall of 1973, the elders and the membership called the Rev. Sexton Toney from Huntsville, Alabama to accept the pastorate of Simpson Chapel. Rev. Toney was graciously received as a good moral man noted for his inspiring sermons. He demonstrated good leadership and good business management.
[Source: Built by the Hands: An Historical Account of Love, Faith and Determination in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America 1869-2002. Written by Nancy J. Fuqua. Huntsville, Alabama: Executive Committee of the General Assembly, 2002, pages 335-336]