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Bell Street Chapel
Bell Street Chapel Providence RI front view.jpg
Bell Street Chapel
Bell Street Chapel is located in Rhode Island
Bell Street Chapel
Location in Rhode Island
Bell Street Chapel is located in the United States
Bell Street Chapel
Location in the United States
Location Providence, Rhode Island
Built 1875
Architect Walker, William Russell
NRHP reference No. 73000065
Added to NRHP March 14, 1973

The Bell Street Chapel is a historic church located in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. It is a Unitarian Universalist chapel, which means it's a place where people come together to learn and grow. This beautiful building has a long history and is still an active church today. The church is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).

A Look Back at Bell Street Chapel

How the Chapel Began

The Bell Street Chapel was built a long time ago, in 1875. A wealthy man named James Eddy wanted it built. He was an engraver and an art dealer. Mr. Eddy had some unique ideas about faith and wanted a place where people could explore them. He had this private chapel built right next to his own home. He hoped to find others who shared his beliefs.

A New Purpose for the Chapel

The chapel was not used much until James Eddy passed away in 1888. In his will, he made sure there was money set aside to keep the chapel running. This special fund, called an endowment, is still helping the chapel today.

A kind and smart woman named Anna Garlin Spencer was asked to help. She was a well-known helper of the community and a thinker from Providence. Her job was to start a new church group that would use the chapel. She worked there for ten years. During that time, the church group made her their minister. This made her the very first female minister of any faith in the entire State of Rhode Island!

The Chapel Today

Today, the Bell Street Chapel continues to be a welcoming place. Reverend Frieda Gillespie serves as the minister. Kristi Martel is the music director. Church services happen every Sunday morning at 10:00.

The Bell Street Chapel is also recognized as an important historical building. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it's a special place that is protected because of its history and importance.

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