Alternate title: | First Baptist Meeting House, the oldest Baptist church in America. N. Main Cor. Waterman St., Providence, R.I. No. 4 on location card |
Summary: | The First Baptist Meeting House, Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1915-1930. Postcard number: 112209; "Historic America" series. Caption reads: "First Baptist Meeting House. N. Main Cor. Waterman St., Providence, R.I. 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 oldest street in Providence while its tall spire looks over the busiest section of the city of 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 anywhere, it show [sic] 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, London, made by a pupil and successor: James Gibbs. A clock and bell were imported from England. The bell (since replaced) 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." |
Provider: | Allardice, Jessie D. |
Postcard Tours |
Century: | 1901-2000 |
Place of origin – Continent: | North America |
Place of origin – Country: | United States of America |
Place of origin – Region: | Rhode Island |
Place of origin – Settlement: | Providence |
Temporal subject: |
1911-1920
|
1921-1930
|
Geographical subject – Continent: | North America |
Geographical subject – Country: | United States of America |
Geographical subject – Region: | Rhode Island |
Geographical subject – Settlement: | Providence |
Topical subjects: | Churches |
Baptist churches |
Williams, Roger, 1604?-1683
|
Genre: | Postcards |
ArchivesUM location: | National Trust Library Postcard Collection |
Repository: | National Trust for Historic Preservation Library Collection |
Browse terms: | Architecture, Landscape, Historic Places |
Copyright holder: | Public domain |
Collection: | National Trust Library Historic Postcard Collection |
Collection may be protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. To obtain permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the University of Maryland Libraries at http://www.lib.umd.edu/NTL/queries.html. |