Historical Catalog of the Members of the First Baptist Church Prov, RI

The First Baptist Church of Providence is the oldest Baptist church in America, founded by Roger Williams in 1638.

In 1636 six persons settled what was to be called Providence. It was named by Roger Williams, who had been banished from Massachusetts because of his religious and political beliefs. Other individuals from Salem and Boston who sought freedom from Puritan intolerance soon joined the group, and in 1638 they organized the first Baptist church. Roger Williams was appointed first pastor but soon withdrew from the church, believing the rites of the church had become invalid due to corruption.

The First Baptist Church of Providence that stands today was erected in 1774-5 It is the third meetinghouse of the church.

The records of the church are divided into four areas: names, when and how received, when and how connection to the church ceased, and remarks (which often state relationships). This volume was compiled by Pastor Henry Melville King and Charles Field Wilcox, and published in 1908.

The original text can be viewed at the NEHGS Research Library. The call number is F89/P9/P93/1908.

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