Cathedral of St. John (Providence, Rhode Island)

The Cathedral of St. John, located in Providence, Rhode Island, is the mother church of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. It is notable for being the first Episcopal church built in Providence and one of the oldest Episcopal parishes in the United States. The building itself is a Georgian-style structure, originally constructed in 1722 and significantly modified in the 1810s by architect John Holden Greene.

Its historical significance extends beyond its age. The Cathedral is widely recognized as the site where the General Convention of the Episcopal Church ratified the Constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America in 1790, effectively forming the national church body. Samuel Seabury, the first American Episcopal bishop, was consecrated at the Cathedral in 1790.

The Cathedral of St. John continues to serve as an active place of worship and a center for community engagement within the Diocese of Rhode Island. The interior features notable stained glass and memorial plaques, reflecting the history of the parish and the diocese. The churchyard contains numerous historical gravestones, providing a glimpse into the early history of Providence.