New London in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Religious Diversity
Hempstead Historic Neighborhood
Photographed by Michael Herrick, February 16, 2023
1. Religious Diversity Marker
New Londons first English settlers, Puritans, did not consider religious tolerance a virtue. They would probably be dismayed to see the diversity that now prevails.
Reverend Jabez Swan
Rev. Jabez Swan, founding pastor of the Huntington Street Baptist Church, was unyielding in his beliefs and uncompromising in expressing them. When the Universalists, whom he disliked intensely, were building their church in 1842, he counseled them: "Now plan and build a good house. Build no small thing for the Lord. The Baptists shall yet possess the house, and I expect to stand in its pulpit and preach...." Seven years later financial pressures forced the Universalists to sell their costly building and Rev. Swan mounted its pulpit as he had foretold.
Ⓐ Apostolic Cathedral of Hope Built by John Bishop 1882 as a Universalist church and was a Masonic temple 1896 to 1995.
Ⓑ St. Mary Star of the Sea 1876. Designed by Patrick Keeley, who was the architect for hundreds of Roman Catholic churches.
Ⓒ Huntington Street Baptist Church Also built by John Bishop, following pattern book of master architect Minard Lafever,and completed 1843 as a Universalist church; sold to the Baptists 1849.
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Ⓓ All Souls Unitarian/Universalist Completed 1910 following standard plans provided by the denomination's national headquarters.
Ⓔ Second Congregational Built 1870, replacing an earlier church burned 1868. Parsonage for this church located at 27 Huntington Street.
Ⓕ Shiloh Baptist Historically African American; established 1894 and moved to this location 1960s.
Erected by Connecticut Humanities Council. (Marker Number 3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Unitarian Universalism (UUism) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.
Location. 41° 21.168′ N, 72° 5.952′ W. Marker is in New London in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It is at the intersection of Washington Street and Huntington Street, on the left when traveling east on Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 70 Washington Street, New London CT 06320, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this
Photographed by Benjamin H Baldwin, May 16, 2023
2. Religious Diversity Marker
St. Mary Star of the Sea at center rear (10 Huntington St), white Huntington Street Baptist Church (29 Huntington St) at right, and All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation at rear (60 Huntington St, now Shekinah Seventh Day Adventist Haitian Church), barely visible in front of New London Superior Court (70 Huntington St)
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bream Cove (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Starr Street (about 500 feet away); Shaw Mansion (about 600 feet away); New London Whalemen (about 600 feet away); Honor Roll (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Shaw Mansion (about 700 feet away); Athena Stands Watch (about 700 feet away); Stephen Hempstead (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New London.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2023, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 224 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 18, 2023, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. 2. submitted on May 16, 2023, by Benjamin H Baldwin of Stonington, Connecticut.
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