For 139 years, Providence Missionary Baptist Church has had a major impact on Atlanta and the state of Georgia. Providence grew out of Friendship Baptist Church on Mitchell Street in Atlanta following the Civil War and the emancipation of slaves.

In 1995, it relocated to Benjamin E. Mays Drive in southwest Atlanta. Since 1987, Rev. Gerald L. Durley has led the congregation as senior pastor. The church is committed to health promotion and has formed health committees and served as the site of a South Fulton Red Cross center. Providence, which completed renovations between 2008 and 2009, also has a successful Marriage Ministry, which offers engaging classes for couples.