The Most Historic Black Church in Rhode Island

As a result of the meeting a committee composed of twelve men, black and white, was appointed to meet with Moses Brown, Esq., who long had intended to do something for the people of color. He thereupon instructed the group to select a suitable lot for the desired building. The site chosen was located at the corner of Meeting and Congdon Streets. True to his word, Mr. Brown purchased it. Construction began, and in June of 1820 the schoolhouse was opened for divine worship. The large room was soon fitted with pews, and the building was completed and dedicated in 1821. It came to be called The African Union Meeting House resulting from the name of its governing body. The African Union Meeting and Schoolhouse Society.

A period of prosperity was followed by a period of devastation and dire hardship for the church. It was during this latter period, 1863 to about 1870, that hostile white neighbors had the church torn down leaving the small black congregation bereft of its place of worship. In 1869, George Hale, a neighbor whose property the church inconveniently bordered, had offered to exchange with the church a lot he owned at Congdon Street and Angel Court. Now, in 1871, the church finally agreed to make the exchange and was permitted by the Court to do so. Thereupon, the new edifice was begun. It was completed and dedicated in July, 1875. By a Legislative Act, the name was changed to Congdon Street Baptist Church.

With the installation of Rev. Dennis Norris in 1966, Congdon Street, ever involved with outreach and education, began intentionally reaching out to African-American students at Brown University and Pembroke College. By being a safe space, the church became a sanctuary for African-American students at Brown University and Pembroke College in 1968 during their student walkout. The end of the student walkout did not see the end of Congdon Street’s affiliation with African-American students at Brown and Pembroke as members of the church continued to open their homes to the students.

The fight for civil rights during the 1960s led many members of the congregation to the streets where they marched on Cranston Street and with Doctor Martin Luther King Jr to show that Black lives and rights matter. During the tenure of Rev. Norris, the ABC Church School Curriculum was also initiated.

As Congdon Street transitioned into the 2000’s, we saw the retirement of Pastor Carter. While Pastor Carter no longer served, his legacy and firm foundation was strong through the next pastors. Continuing the legacy of focusing on education in the community, a tutoring program was initiated during the tenure of Rev. David Mitchell (2003-2008). Professors from Rhode Island College and Brown University, along with Congdon Street members would go to the church and tutor children after-school three days a week in reading, math, and writing. The church also held a college tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Georgia.

Being open to the community, the church held events like I Got Jesus coffee nights, summer vacation Bible School, and the Baptist Youth Fellowship (BYF). Keeping with the church’s mission to reach those who may not know God, and showing the love of Christ through generosity and community, these events helped Congdon Street Baptist Church spread the word and love of God through the community. As Pastor Mitchell transitioned, we were blessed with the leadership of Pastor James Dove (2010-2014). During the tenure of Rev. Dove Congdon Street received a grant to renovate the building’s bathrooms in 2012. A discipleship class was also started the same year. This class focused on growing the church spiritually and in number, by teaching current members how to reach out to the unchurched and unsaved. The discipleship class also taught members how to read and interpret the Bible.

Journeying forward, following the unexpected passing of Rev. Dove, the Church elected her youngest Pastor, Rev. Dr. Justin Lester (2016-2021) from Nashville, Tennessee. Continuing with Congdon Street’s legacy of education more outreach is being done to Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design, and Brown University. The creation of small groups each week has seen an increase in the number of people, young and old, being reached and inspired by God’s love. Congdon Street Baptist Church continues to strive to be a radically authentic community in New England. Rev. Dr. Lester reached beyond the church walls through social media, livestreaming, and by going onto college campuses to meet students to build intentional community. By building intentional relationships with the community surrounding the church, Congdon Street continues to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, connect and strengthen families, and continues to show the community the Love of Christ through prayer, worship, generosity, and Bible study. Congdon Street Baptist Church celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2019!