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First Baptist Meeting House, Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1915-1930

1915-1930 ‧ Print ‧ color ‧ Jump to full details ‧ Request from Special Collections

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.