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St. Paul's History |
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The following is a short history (just hitting the highlights) If you would like to see a more in-depth version, please click here: In-depth History v v v v v v v v v v v v v v Our
story begins in 1800 when Joshua Hall was appointed to Rhode Island and
formed a first class at Newport. Circuit Riders were obliged to travel
on horseback from Boston to Providence where they sailed over to
Newport, delivered their sermon, and reversed the journey. Ruben
Hubbard, the first pastor, first held meetings in the first Baptist
Church and later in the state house (now called the Colony House over
here on Washington square). When it became apparent that the growing
congregation needed a building of its own, two men James Perry and
Benjamin Wightman headed the project. Construction was started in 1806
to build a frame 45' x 60' before a site was chose. (Is this the first
pre-fabricated church building?) A lot 60' x 120' on Marlborough Street
was offered. It was originally part of the Gov. Coddington Grant and
early in the 1700s was the site of a snuff mill. The frame was brought
to the lot and work was begun. The pay to the workmen consisted of $1.50
and half a pint of rum for a day's work. Financial
support first came from prominent families and the sale of pews to
subscribers. Then a lottery was proposed. "10,000 dollars a Going
for only 5 dollars. Now is the time to make your fortune". The
lottery scheme failed and all ticket holders had their money refunded.
(It should be noted that lotteries were a common money raiser for
religious groups - Trinity & Congregational.) It
is understood that this was the first Methodist church in America (and
probably in the world) with a Steeple, bell and pews. "Bishop
Asbury lifted his hands with Holy horror when he first saw it and
predicted that a church which began with a steeple would end with a
choir, and perhaps even with an organ." The steeple still
stands, the bell has been replaced and the present pews are the third
set. St.
Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church
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