first baptist church in america

Super place to visit - was a bit skeptical due to the quiet side door and $2 donation - but when we got in a good gentleman showed us around and gave us a personal in depth history which was really great of him and definitely put himself out of his way. Definitely worth a visit for a big part of American Christian history.

One of my favorite things about this church is that they always have cool religious, spiritual, and philosophical sayings on the signage out front. They don't alienate anyone, they embrace pop culture and try to be funny. Check it out when you drive by!

If your in the area it is definitely worth the trouble to stop and see. There is a lot of history in the region and this is an important part of it for me. It is amazing to see where is all started in this country.

Love the architecture in Providence. This is the oldest baptist church congregation in America. Worth parking in town anc walking around a few blocks to see this and many other buildings.

After visited the Roger Williams memorial we passed by this church. It looks very well preserved and it's a nice building. Unfortunately it was closed so we couldn't check the interiors or get the tour.

This is really a must-see if you are visiting the downtown Providence area. It is within walking distance of the main downtown sites and shouldn't be missed. This is first Baptist church in the country so has a lot of historical significance. It also extremely well maintained and is still in use today which I was surprised to discover. While they offer free tours they do request a small donation to assist with the upkeep which makes sense to us.We highly recommend!!!

The person who normally conducts the tours wasn't available so the gentleman who does the maintenance for the church showed us around. Very beautiful place. Provided information on the surrounding area and buidings as well as suggestions for places to go while we were in town. Great attraction. Nice guy to boot.

The first Baptist church in America was a great time. We enjoyed learning some history and had a great chance to talk to the custodian who really gave us some stories about the church and the area. Very friendly guy.

I loved this visit. I always wanted to go to this landmark if I ever found myself in Rhode Island, and sure enough, I found myself here. I was running about like crazy and didn't realize there was a "last call" for visitation. Nonetheless, they let me come in after the last tour and I toured by myself with another couple who arrived similarly. It appears to me, by some observed logos and literature around the place, that this church is now a part of the American Baptist denomination, but the church was planted in the 1700s before there were any denominations. In fact, the building is here as a result of the actual church body that began a hundred years earlier by the maverick theolog and nascent abolitionist, Roger Williams (also the founder of Providence). The place is very cool; I got to stand in the pulpit, there was a gal playing the organ, and all the pews were boxed seats. Very interesting slice of history, especially if you are an American Christian. I think this is a must visit. Thumbs up! Oh, realize that parking is a prob though, as there isn't any and you have to find a spot on the street perhaps a block away. BTW, minor fee of a couple of bucks. I didn't have any cash on me, but they still let me come in gratis. Kudos for the spirit of this place.

I've never been to a religious service in this church but have attended several concerts by a community chorus directed by a friend of mine. The beauty of the sanctuary, where the concerts were, is breathtaking -- a bit austere, in the 18th century Baptist way -- but breathtaking, as is the typical New England exterior of the church: all white, with steps leading up to the huge front doors (and now a handicapped ramp as well), surmounted by a graceful white steeple. I must say, though, those old Baptists must have been a sturdy folk to sit through long services there; those polished, straight-backed, wooden pews are mighty hard!

This congregation was founded by my husband's ancestor, Roger Williams so we were very interested in visiting and taking the guided tour. Our tour guide was a historian who had written a book on the history of the church. He spoke very knowledgeably about the history of the church and restoration of the building. If you are interested in the history of the church or the building I recommend you take a guided tour. The tour took about an hour and they ask for a $2 donation

What is nice is the inspirational quote, in a glass-encased sign, in front of this classic New England church. One can see the iconic steeple from many vantage points throughout downtown Providence. Somehow, seeing this tall white spire inspires thoughts of classic New England. I did not go inside, yet walked around the exterior of the church to photograph it's beautiful exterior.

Though unable to enter the church, I enjoyed gazing at it from the outside. The architecture of the building is beautiful and truly has a 'New England' feel to it.

really worth a look if interested in history or religion; just a small donation but so much interesting history; and take the chance to sit and relax.

Stunning view inside with the huge old chandelier and the massive old pipe organ..the building is still be used..many years for commencement for Brown University students..this was on the itinerary for Providence Tours by Deena