A Brief History of our Church

The First Baptist “Old Stone” Church in Tiverton was constituted in or around 1680 AD, initiating an unbroken history of service and ministry. The church was first established by John Cooke, who was thirteen years old when he arrived at Plymouth in 1620 on the Mayflower.

John Cooke was initially a Congregationalist and became a deacon of the Plymouth Church in the 1630's. However, for differing doctrinal views, he was ex-communicated from the church in 1657 and soon became a Baptist. In about 1680 he established a Baptist church in Dartmouth, which is now Tiverton.

Hugh Mosher is recognized as being the first pastor of the church. Born in 1633, he was ordained as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dartmouth in 1684 and served for about 19 years. There is no record of Hugh Mosher ever serving as pastor for any other church. Because it was illegal to be a Baptist in Plymouth Colony, worship services of the church were held in church members‘ homes. In 1752, when Tiverton and Little Compton were taken from Massachusetts and given to Rhode Island,

Colonel Job Almy—one of the original proprietors of Tiverton—granted a parcel of land to the church containing about 35 acres--the same parcel of land on which the church rests today. That same year, a simple wooden structure was built for the purpose of worship. 

In 1841, the need for a new building became evident.  After research, the wooden building was torn down and a new structure made of field stone was erected--the same structure that stands today. 

Throughout its history, the church has been known for a variety of events and practices. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the church was known for it’s annual clambake, which served upwards of 1500 people at its peak. In the mid 1940’s, the church began holding an annual auction and bazaar, which at times featured livestock, demonstrations and an antique auction that was frequented by local dealers. While these events have provided tangible ways by which the church has connected with the community, the essential hallmark remains the core beliefs which guide us and compel us into service.