North Kingstown, Rhode Island written by a group of students from Davisville Middle School |
One of the oldest and most interesting buildings in Wickford is the
Old Narragansett Church. Built in 1707 was one of the first churches in
Rhode Island. It is also the oldest Episcopal church north of Virginia.
This church was a plain oblong structure and was typical of a church built
in the 1700's. The outside was painted white and was trimmed in green. It
was set back from the stree. Inside there were six to seven pews on each
side. it was considered a small church when it was built. The sponsor for
the church was Queen Anne of England who gave the money to help build it.
The church was originally located 5 miles southwest of Wickford, but in
1800 following the Revolutionary War it was moved to its present location
in the village of Wickford. Wickford is the historical village which is the
heart of our town, North Kingstown.
Many famous people passed through this church. Gilbert Stuart, the
famous American portrait painter, was baptized there. In 1848 the Old
Narragansett Church was abandoned and the new St.Paul's was consecrated.
The new St. Paul's is 150 years old this year. In 1914 repairs were made to
the old church. With a congregation of approximately 700 people St. Paul's
is one of the biggest Episcopal churches in Rhode Island. St. Paul's is
made up of the Old Narragansett Church, the new St. Paul's, a Parish Hall
and a chapel.
The Old Narragansett Church, located on Main Street in Wickford has
become a national historical site.
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