Our Story

The people of Community Church are heirs of a rich tradition. In 1805, we were founded as the Second Baptist Church of Providence, but our roots go all the way back to Roger Williams, who first brought a commitment to “soul liberty” to American religious life.

At the turn of the 18th century, it was discerned that a Baptist congregation was needed on the West Side of the city. The congregation occupied numerous buildings during its first century, and was renamed Central Baptist, when it relocated to the heart of the city. In 1917 the congregation moved into its present facility, located on the East Side.

Elisha Hunt Rhodes, a General in the Rhode Island militia and a Colonel in the Union Army during the Civil War, was chairman of the building committee that oversaw construction. Colonel Rhodes returned from the war a hero and the congregation dedicated a stained-glass window in our sanctuary to him.

In January 2003 the members voted to become “Community Church of Providence.” The new name reflects the congregation’s ecumenical character, diversity, and its desire to serve as many people as possible.