By 1900 Providence was 25th in population in the United States and was an industrial powerhouse, boasting its “Five Industrial Wonders of the World.” The First Baptist Church in America had over 700 members on its rolls, but great changes were coming for the state, the city, and the church. The tides of immigration changed Rhode Island from a Protestant Yankee state to an immigrant Roman Catholic state. Not only had the composition of the population changed, the physical character of Providence itself was being transformed. Where once there had been houses and small shops, great factories, banks, commercial establishments, and big buildings stood in their place. First Baptist Church saw its residential neighborhood disappear in the changes in the twentieth century. In 1860 one could stand on any corner of the church yard and throw a stone that would hit the house of a member of the church. By 1940 no residences remained. The greatest changes came from the deindustrialization of Rhode Island and the substantial decline in the population of Providence itself.
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Roger Williams gathered the First Baptist Church in America in 1638 on the bedrock of religious liberty, with its principles of soul freedom and the separation of church and state. Together, we continue our ministry of welcome and liberation.
This congregation honors its Baptist heritage. Many of our members are lifelong Baptists and others come from varied denominational and religious backgrounds. We welcome all people of every age, race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, cultural background, socio-economic status, mental or physical ability, marital status, and any other distinctions of society. We are diverse people united in Christ. We remain a safe harbor.
Rev. Dr. Jamie Washam, Pastor
First Baptist Church in America
75 North Main Street Providence, RI 02903-1307
401.454.3418
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Join Us
Tuesday, April 30 at 7:00 when John Dixon will give an organ recital of his music. Many of his compositions are based on familiar hymns. This concert is cohosted with RI Guild of Organists.
Help Us
In the Garden
May 18 at 9:30
We will be planting vegetable seeds and plants and making sure everything is beautiful for Brown Graduation. There may be some herbs ready to harvest so you can spice up your evening meal.