Our Church

After separating from the Congdon Street Baptist Church, eight God-fearing men (documented as the Olney Street Baptist Church Founders) along with a committee of three persons sought and found a vacant building at 30 Olney Street, which became the home of this new church and given the name Olney Street Baptist Church. The Church was duly incorporated on December 18, 1901, in accordance with the laws of the State of Rhode Island. Eighty faithful members presented themselves for fellowship into the newly formed church and were considered Charter Members. This building would serve as our place of worship for the next 58 years. The first worship service was held on December 22, 1901. On October 16, 1902, Reverend E. H. McDonald was officially installed as the first full-time pastor and served the church for five years laying the groundwork for the dedicated and illustrious men of God who would succeed him. 

In 1959, The Lippitt Hill Redevelopment Program caused this Family of God to be uprooted. For the next three years the congregation sought temporary meeting space; first at the vacant Church of the Savior located at 525 North Main Street, and then at the Benefit Street Recreation Center located at 65 Benefit Street. Meanwhile, under the Lippitt Hill Urban Development Plan Reverend Samuel Berry McKinney, our pastor at the time, met with the city mayor to secure a new plot of land which was purchased and where the church now sits. This piece of property was selected to ensure that the church would stand as a beacon light into the community, which was a predominantly Black community. The cornerstone for this new edifice was laid on May 26, 1963 under the leadership of Reverend Percy A. Carter, Jr., who proudly marched a jubilant congregation from Benefit Street up Olney Street into our new place of worship on July 7, 1963. 

Olney Street has been a beacon light in the community under the leadership of many distinguished pastors whom God has called to lead His people in this part of His vineyard for the purpose of winning souls for the upbuilding of His kingdom and the furtherance of the Gospel. 

On the first Sunday in September, 2022, Reverend Christopher D. Williams began his pastorate as our Senior Pastor-Elect.