College Hill in Providence in Providence County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
The First Baptist Church
Roger Williams
A.D. 1638
The oldest
Baptist Church
in America
The oldest church in this state
This meeting house erected
A.D. 1773
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1638.
Location. 41° 49.641′ N, 71° 24.505′ W. Marker is in Providence, Rhode Island, in Providence County. It is in College Hill. Marker is on North Main Street, on the right when traveling north. The church sits on the corner of North Main Street and Thomas Street. The marker is mounted on the front of the building facing North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 75 North Main Street, Providence RI 02903, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Baptist Church in America 375th Anniversary (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named First Baptist Church (a few steps from this marker); The First Baptist Church in America (within shouting distance of this marker); Fleur-De-Lys Studio (within shouting distance of this marker); First Town House of Providence (within shouting distance of this marker); Steeple Street Complex (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); World War I Monument (about 400 feet away); Washington Street (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Providence.
Additional commentary.
1. The First Baptist Meeting House Plaque
Inscription transcription (with long S’s converted to modern S’s):
The First Baptist Meeting House
Dedicated May 27, 1775
“For the publick Worship of Almighty GOD;
and also for holding Commencement in”
From the first page of the Minutes of the Charitable Baptist Society
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(“Commencement” refers to Brown University commencement, traditionally held in this church; Brown’s baccalaureate services are still held there.)
Photograph taken during Brown’s Commencement weekend 2012.
— Submitted January 7, 2013, by Rosie Perera of Vancouver, British Columbia.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 598 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 5, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. 2. submitted on January 7, 2013, by Rosie Perera of Vancouver, British Columbia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 5, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.