The ‘New’ Church in Little Compton Turns 100

Celebrating 100 years of worship

A visit to Little Compton’s Commons is like stepping back into history. From the white-steepled church founded by the Pilgrims’ offspring to the Civil War-era General Store to the ancient slate gravestones in the picturesque burial ground, time seems to have stood still.

Set against this venerable background, the “new” church in Little Compton – St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church – is turning 100 this year, and the parish is gearing up to celebrate its centennial in grand style. A newly-renovated parish hall will be dedicated by Bishop Knisely, and a 21st century stylized logo has just been unveiled that symbolizes the parish’s focus on the future while hearkening back to its historical roots as “the fisherman’s church.”

St. Andrew's by-the-Sea (1914)

It was August of 1914 when Laura Lloyd Wainwright drove her “touring automobile” to nearby Tiverton to persuade the Rev. John A. Gardner of Holy Trinity Church to hold a service for the summer visitors. The pair quickly organized an evening prayer service for 125 worshipers at the “Casino” or Clam House at Sakonnet Point where, just hours earlier, day-trippers enjoyed a bountiful shore dinner before returning back to Providence via steamship.
In the following weeks, Mrs. Wainwright convinced her husband to donate an oceanfront garage that was soon transformed into a summer chapel. In 1918, the chapel was moved to a 4-acre pasture near the Sakonnet Golf Club. From this idyllic setting, St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea served residents and summer guests alike as an unorganized mission of the Diocese of Rhode Island for the next eight decades.

In 1998, a new building for St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea was created from the bones of the historic Guild Hall on the north end of the Little Compton Commons. This central location could better serve the townspeople, as well as worshippers from South Tiverton and nearby Westport, Mass. In 2001, the now year-round St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea achieved parish status in the Diocese.
On Saturday, August 23rd, St. Andrew’s will host a centennial gala on the church grounds to commemorate its first 100 years. Bishop Knisely will celebrate Holy Eucharist the following morning to ask God’s blessings on the parish, and on its ministry for the next century, in what will undoubtedly be a joyous commemoration.

In a town where institutions are measured in centuries, not years, St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea has now joined the revered “Century Club.” Its best years are still to come!

Ben Sibielski appointed as new Communications Director for the Diocese of Rhode Island

Bishop Knisely is pleased to announce the appointment of Benjamin Sibielski as the new Director of Communications for the Diocese of Rhode Island.

Ben comes to us from a position at Providence College where he worked in marketing communications for the Office of Alumni Relations and the Office of Development. His prior experience included several years as the Integrated Media Manager at the Roger Williams Zoo where he was responsible for publicity, implementing advertising campaigns, and managing digital communications efforts such as website and social media campaigns. He is also experienced in event planning and fundraising.

Many of you might have already met Ben, as he grew up in this diocese attending St. David's on the Hill in Cranston. He is currently a member of Church of the Ascension in Cranston where he has served on the vestry, taught Sunday school, and led the church's youth group.

Ben is a local graduate of Rhode Island College where he majored in Communications and Public Relations. This combination has served him well in his previous positions and brings a breadth of experience to our diocese. As Bishop Knisely said:

“We were impressed with his experience and reputation for using a wide range of media and methods to communicate with all ages, his ability to think strategically, and to develop and implement a plan...We also believe that his development experience will be a real benefit to us. Plus, Ben knows Rhode Island and the Episcopal Church, which is an added bonus.”

Ben begins his work with the Diocese on July 28, 2014. He is looking forward to meeting people in the congregations, diocesan groups and organizations around the state, and "sharing the stories of our parishes with the community at large". You can reach him at the diocesan office at 401-274-4500 x226 or email him at Ben@episcopalri.org.

Help Support & Celebrate the Opening of Jonathan Daniels House

It is early July and right now nobody wants to think about the fall, but bear with us for a moment as there is some exciting news. Jonathan Daniels House is all set to open this fall with a fantastic group of interns living communally in an apartment on the west side of Providence.


Between now and then there are a few ways you
can get involved in supporting and celebrating this amazing new diocesan ministry. Here they are, please spread the word to any who may want to be involved:

• JDH needs to furnish a 3BR apt with good-quality used furniture--everything from tables to towels to teaspoons. Contact Ann Rheault if you have an item you can donate annrheault@verizon.net. Dropoffs will be accepted August 2-9th.
  
• JDH is still accepting applications, so if you or someone you know is an interested college grad in their 20s or early 30s, apply ASAP! Think what it would mean to give a year to explore the connection between faith and social change, to live among other young adults who are also committed to community and simplicity, and grow in capacity for compassionate, courageous, and imaginative leadership.  Interested persons should email JDH Director Gillian Barr at gillian@episcopalri.org and fill out the official application at https://esc.hiretouch.com/. Be sure to list Jonathan Daniels House as your program of interest. More info is available at jonathandanielshouse.org and episcopalservicecorps.org.
• Lastly, save the date to come celebrate the opening of JDH with an Evensong on Jonathan Daniels Day! The date is Thursday, August 14, at 6:30 p.m and the Evensong will be held at Church of the Transfiguration in Cranston. Light refreshments will be served after the service.