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First Baptist Meeting House

Oldest Baptist Church in America

North Main at the corner of Waterman Street

This stately and dignified edifice is the most interesting Church in the

Country.

It dominates the landscape of the oldest street in Providence.

The tall spire looks over the busiest section of the city today.

It was erected in 1775 for the public worship of Almighty God and

for holding commencements in.

One of the finest examples of colonial architecture to be found.

It shows the influence of Sir Christopher Wren.

The design was adapted by local architects from one of three plans for

the Church of Saint Martins in the Fields in London.

Plans made by a pupil and successor James Gibbs.

A clock and bell were imported from England.

The bell has since been replaced but bore a unique motto which reads:

For freedom of conscience the town was first planted

Persuasion not force was urged by the people

This Church is the oldest and has not recanted

Enjoying and granting bell and temple and steeple.

Every commencement of Brown University which was long known as a

Baptist College has been held here since Revolutionary days.

Providence RI

Postcard Collection Churches Baptist