360 Year Anniversary

1665 - The founding of the church

The year was 1665 and Roger Williams, our state’s founder, was manning his trading post at what is now Smith’s Castle, while promoting ideas of religious freedom and tolerance to area residents - new ideas which were considered extreme views at the time. His sermons centered on the Six Principles of the doctrine of Christ that were outlined in the Book of Hebrews 6:1–2: Repentance, Faith, Baptism, Laying On of Hands, Resurrection of the Dead and Eternal Judgment. Many of the settlers embraced that message and eventually founded the Six-Principle Baptist Church - the founding name of our church, which is the 3rd established Baptist church in the United States and is the oldest Baptist building in the country. Thomas Baker, ordained a Baptist minister in 1658 in Newport, was convinced by none other than Roger Williams himself, to pack up his bags and move to minister to the people here. He was North Kingstown’s very first permanent “man of God”. He became the first Pastor of The Six-Principle Baptist Church.

1703-1710 - First meeting house built

2006 photo. 1952 photo. Captain Alexander Huling donated the land on which the meeting house was built for the worship and service to God. The Six Principle Baptist Church was now renamed Old Baptist Meeting House. Many prominent pastors preached the Gospel here, such as Elder Richard Sweet, Elder David Sprague who kept getting in trouble for his love of singing when singing in churches was looked down upon, and Elder Samuel Albro. Most of the Pastors that served in these 360 years were loyal men receiving little or no pay and held secular jobs to support themselves and family.

1799 - Pastor Northup publishes 1st hymn book

"Divine Hymns and Spiritual Songs" hymn book is noted as an important early American example of a Baptist hymn collection and was considered one of the most influential hymn collections of the late 18th and early 19th centuries in the United States. For special events, our congregation gathers to sing the beloved old hymns of the church, each hymn tells a story. People start out, and then progress through their faith theology from first verse to last verse. They call them the old hymns of the faith.

1848 - Meeting house remodeled

The meeting house underwent major renovations in a Greek Revival style although the original 18th century core of the building is believed to be present underneath the Greek Revival modifications.  

1978 - National Landmark

 The church building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is located on Old Baptist Road, a little south of its intersection with Stony Lane. It is presently the oldest standing Baptist building in America.

1984-1989 - Construction of our new worship building

1989 Easter Grand Opening. At the time of the opening, we had no loans or debt. God received the credit as his people were giving especially generously and joyfully, without compulsion! 

2019, 2023 - Name Change

Our church has become "Stony Lane Church ~ A City on A Hill" as a result of God's merger bringing 2 churches together.

2025 - 360 Year Anniversary

This 4th of July, as our country prepares to celebrate its 250th Birthday, we at Stony Lane are celebrating our 360 years. Looking at two buildings - the spacious, pristine-white, modern worship house and the old Baptist Meeting House - we are reminded of the church’s long history and our mission to keep bringing God's light into the hearts of our community.