First Baptist Meeting House, Oldest Baptist Church, Providence RI
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| FIRST BAPTIST MEETING HOUSE. The Oldest Baptist Church in America. Founded by Roger Williams, A. D. 1638. This stately and dignified edifice, the most interesting church in the country, dominated the landscape of the main street in Providence while its tall spire looks over the whole section of the city of today. It was erected in 1775 "for the public worship of Almighty God and for holding commence- ments in." One of the finest examples of colonial architecture to be found anywhere, it show the influence of Sir Christopher Wren. The design was adapted by local architects from one of three plans for the church of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, Lon- don, made by a pupil and successor: James Gibbs. A clock and bell were imported from England. The bell (since re- placed) bore the unique motto: "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, temple and steeple." Every Commencement of Brown University, long known as a Baptist College, has been held here since Revolutionary days. |
