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Old Narragansett Church
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
written by a group of students from Davisville Middle School
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Church Photo

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.

Church Photo


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