Present and Past
In 2012 the Cathedral of St. John suspended services due to increasing deterioration of the building and a lack of funds to address the building’s needs. After a series of meetings, the diocese decided to make the cathedral the home of the Center for Reconciliation. Shortly thereafter, the Church Beyond the Walls (CBW) made the cathedral its home. In 2018 the diocese re-opened the office wing and lower level which serves as the Exhibit Hall for the Center for Reconciliation (CFR). Rhode Island for Community and Justice joined the CBW and CFR.
While the building still needs significant renovations, it remains active with groups using the space for their programs and to invite the community in.
The church that became the Cathedral of St. John was originally organized in 1722 as King’s Church, a wooden structure that was renamed St. John’s Church in 1794, after the American Revolution. That wooden building served Providence until 1810 when work began on what would become the Cathedral of St. John. The Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island was formed in 1790, but it was not until 1929 that St John’s Church was designated the Episcopal seat and was renamed the Cathedral of St. John.
St. John’s Cemetery
The historical Cathedral of St. John Cemetery sits beside the cathedral. The grounds are maintained by the diocese and is open to visitors. Please see below for a map and key of the cemetery and historical information.
Cathedral of St. John Cemetery Index
