A brief History of Calvin Presbyterian Church

Until the Lonsdale Presbyterian Church was organized in 1884, there was only one other Presbyterian Church in Rhode Island - the First Presbyterian Church of Providence. Within a short period another church was begun in Woonsocket. Almost ten years later, in 1893, the First United Presbyterian Church was organized in Central Falls. Both the Lonsdale and Central Falls churches had similar beginnings -- early meetings were held in rented halls and private homes.

The original church building at Lonsdale was erected at Broad and Cumberland Streets in 1886. It was enlarged in 1905 and again in 1963. The Central Falls congregation built the first portion of their church at Cross and Evaleen Streets in 1897, with an addition completed in 1920. Both churches maintained parsonages.

In the early 1960's, with dwindling memberships and less than full-time pastors, merger discussions took place without result. In 1971 they were begun again, consummating in the emergence of a new congregation with the name Community Presbyterian Church. All existing church properties were sold and the present site on Angel Road, Cumberland was selected. A new pastor was called for the congregation and a new edifice built, now known as Calvin Presbyterian Church. It has already been enlarged twice, with a continuous vision toward future growth.

 

Calvin Presbyterian Church is part of the structure of these Presbyterian governing bodies: