I visited St. Lucy Catholic Parish in Middletown, RI not for services, but as part of an RV…read morehospitality program that allows overnight parking on their grounds. The experience was quiet, peaceful, and deeply appreciated. The lot is tucked behind the church, offering a sense of privacy and calm which was ideal for a restful stopover. Though I didn't attend services, the grounds themselves invite reflection. If you're inclined, take a short walk to view the 12 Stations of the Cross nestled nearby. It's a serene path, thoughtfully laid out, and worth a moment of pause whether you're religious or simply curious about devotional art and architecture. This kind of community generosity- welcoming travelers with grace and minimal fuss - deserves recognition. St. Lucy's offers more than a parking spot; it offers a gentle reminder of hospitality rooted in faith. [Review 1086 of 2025 - 89 in Rhode Island - 24640 overall]

Great to find an authentic Catholic church. Warm, welcoming community, great spirit filled…read moreliturgies. (sounds system can use some work - but that's not a bog deal). My family passes four other churches to be fed here on Sundays!

Trivia question: When she remarried, she was Jacqueline Onassis. But before she married JFK, what…read morewas her maiden name? JFK and Jackie were married here on September 12, 1953. This Gothic Revival church is Rhode Island's oldest Catholic parish as it was founded in 1828. The ceremony was officiated by Archbishop Richard Cushing of Boston, with a special blessing read from Pope Pius XII. It was built between 1848 and 1852, the church reflects both the aspirations of Newport's growing Catholic community and the stylistic preferences of the era. The building's exterior is defined by its massive, rough-cut brownstone walls, which give it a sense of permanence and gravity. A steeply pitched roof and soaring steeple rise above Spring Street, creating a vertical emphasis typical of Gothic design. The sculptural entrance, with its pointed arch and recessed doorway, reaches out to the street in a gesture both welcoming and monumental. [Review 1079 of 2025 - 85 in Rhode Island - 24633 overall] Answer: Bouvier.

This was one of the tour stops that we saw while we were in Newport, RI…read more This church is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was established as the first Roman Catholic Parish in Rhode Island. Another fun fact, the most famous wedding here? When Jackie married Kennedy who later became the 35th President. When they attended mass, they always sat in pew # 10. There's a little plaque there! A definite must see especially if you are a fan of the Kennedy's.

Walked by this church dozens of times but have never stopped in. Doors are open 9-3. Lots of…read morehistory in this church. Loved the individual pews and the stained glass windows. There are pamphlets when you walk in that give you information as you take a "self guided" tour.

We visited early on weekday and were unable to enter, but the church with its imposing steeple is…read moresituated in a beautiful location on a hill in Queen Anne Square. I dare you walk to walk past without taking a photo or three.

Ultimately, this church was not for us. We attended for well over 6 months…read more Then we realized, after attending regularly - we had built zero relationships. The events were hard to attend because limited notice would be given. 'Oh this week we are doing ---' To often, we had conflicting plans on that day or couldn't arrange a sitter. Attended a few small groups and also just never felt like things clicked for our family. It was a bummer since this church came so highly recommended. They had an AMAZING praise and worship team!!! And one of the biggest and best kids programs we have found in the area.

I've been going to this church for a bit over two years and was hooked from day one! Very…read morenonjudgmental. The staff and volunteers meet you where you are, and when you're ready will help you move forward in your spiritual journey.

I have been attending this church for about A year and I…read morecan't imagine attending any other church! Such a non-judgmental community.

I generally steer clear of mysticism, self proclaimed holy books, sanctuaries and happy-clappy…read moremusic. That said, I recently felt the power of Jeebus compel me to pull over immediately and wander onto the grounds of the Unitarian Memorial Church in Fairhaven, MA. What others might call a church, I'll freely dub a cathedral. It's the renegade in me. Gargoyles, massive and intricately carved wooden doors along with ornate iron work bespeckle this Southeastern New England gem. Standing in the majesty of the structure feels analogous to having taken a direct flight to the 15th century. Kings would hold ordinations here. There is no sense of urgency surrounded by such calm and tranquility. The demands of life seem less significant when you're enraptured by such grandiose beauty. The architectural wonderment forces time to slow. But as a practical matter, church tours tend to end before vespers.

Towards the end of our last day in Newport, we just had to stop by the Touro Synagogue. It was at…read morethe end of the day, so unfortunately, we weren't able to see the interior of the building. The Touro Synagogue was built in 1763 and is the only surviving synagogue in the U.S. dating back to the colonial era, and thus, the oldest synagogue still standing in the U.S. and North America. In 1946, it was declared a National Historic Site. In 1790, President George Washington wrote in his now famous letter to the "Hebrew congregation at Newport" that "our new nation would give to bigotry no sanction and to persecution no assistance." While Touro Synagogue is a fully functional synagogue, apparently, they hold a special service each year to re-read President Washington's meaningful letter in its entirety. Touro Synagogue is a beautiful building with significant historical value.

"I have finally found a place to live Just like I never…read morecould before And I know I don't have much to give But soon I'll open any door In the presence of the Lord" (Eric Clapton) In June 2014, we visited the third oldest synagogue in the US when we toured Savannah, Georgia's Congregation Mickve Israel. Yesterday, we toured the second oldest synagogue in the US when we visited the Touro Synagogue and Visitor Center in Newport, RI. The congregation's history goes way back to 1658 and its quite a fascinating history. The building itself was constructed in 1763 and is now both the oldest synagogue building still standing in the United States and North America. Rightfully so, it was declared a National Historic Site in 1946. Jewish history and American history intersected in the form of a famous letter written by George Washington on August 21, 1790. After his visit to Newport, Washington sent a letter to the synagogue's warden to express his support of the Congregation's Jews, all American Jews, and his vison for religious tolerance in the newly born nation. Washington's letter stated: "... the Government of the United States ... gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance. ... May the children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy". Lew, our Tour Guide, was the very best tour guide I ever had. He was funny when he wanted to be, but brought enough serious gravitas when needed, to explain the magnificent history of Newport, the significance of Washington's letter, and the contribution of American Jews to Newport and Colonial America. I can't recommend a visit and tour of the Touro Synagogue highly enough.

I am a Catholic that visits this Episcopal church almost weekly. It is open every day of the week,…read moreand even is comfortably warm in the winter. Quiet, serene, prayerful environment. Vibrant church with inspirational pastor. Musical concerts frequently conducted by the best local talent, some with national credentials. Historic church endowed by a Black parishioner, promoted by Naval Admirals, hosted by prominent Newporter's... this church has it all! The beautiful Stations of the Cross were recently reported on by the Associated Press nationally in even in Great Britain. The specific item of interest is "The Stain," a stain of unknown origin under Station # 12, The Crucifixion, resembling dried blood. This stain has been here for years, and on occasion is sticky to the touch. This Stain has attracted believers and skeptics alike. The Episcopal Bishop has said, "Let it be. We take no position on the importance of this stain."