Old Narragansett Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Narragansett Church
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Old Narragansett Church in 2015
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | North Kingstown, Rhode Island |
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| Built | 1707 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000009 |
| Added to NRHP | July 2, 1973 |
The Old Narragansett Church is a very old church in Wickford, Rhode Island. It's also known as Old St. Paul's Church or St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Many people believe it's the oldest Episcopal church building in the whole Northeastern United States. It's a special place with a lot of history!
Church History
The church group started in 1706. It was first called St. Paul's Church. A group called the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (SPG) helped set it up. At first, only 17 families were part of the church.
The church closed in 1774 because of the American Revolutionary War. This war was when the American colonies fought for their freedom from Great Britain. The minister, Rev. Samuel Fayerweather, supported the American side. Because of this, the SPG stopped supporting him in 1780.
The church opened again in 1787. Rev. William Smith helped bring the community back together. In 1799, the church members decided to move the building. They wanted it to be in its current spot in Wickford.
Famous Visitor
On April 11, 1756, a baby boy was baptized in the church. His father was Gilbert Stewart, a "snuff grinder." This child later became famous as Gilbert Stuart. He grew up to be one of America's best portrait painters. He painted many important people, including George Washington!
About the Building
The church building was first built in 1707. It was about five miles southwest of Wickford. People thought the road it was on would become a major route. This road was supposed to connect Boston and New York. But that never happened. The area became very quiet. So, in 1800, the church was taken apart. Then it was moved and rebuilt in its current spot.
Inside the church, you can see special box pews. These are like small, enclosed seating areas. There is also a balcony. The church has a very old organ. It was built in 1680 by Bernard Smith. This organ is one of the oldest still used in church services in the United States!
From 1811 to 1846, the church had a tall steeple. It was attached to the western end of the building. But the steeple wasn't strong enough to hold the big, swinging bell. Sadly, it collapsed.
Today, the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island owns the building. A special group manages it. This group includes people from the modern Saint Paul's Church in Wickford. A newer church, called St. Paul's Church, was built nearby in 1847. The people who go to St. Paul's Church still use the Old Narragansett Church. They hold services there during the summer months.
The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. It also has a small cemetery next to it.
Images for kids
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Old Narragansett Church in 2009
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Sign
See also
- St. Paul's Church (North Kingstown, Rhode Island)
- Oldest churches in the United States
- List of the oldest buildings in Rhode Island
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington County, Rhode Island
