Winter Street A.M.E. Zion Church records

Collection

Identifier: MS 024.006

Staff Only

Collection Overview

These records document the history of Winter Street A.M.E. Zion Church, originally named Gaspee Street A.M.E. Zion church. Winter Street A.M.E. Zion church merged with Wadsworth Street A.M.E. Zion church to form Hood Memorial, and is now know as Hood-Shaw Memorial Church. The majority of materials are from Winter Street A.M.E. Zion Church, however there are some materials from Wadsworth and Hood Memorial. The materials include church programs, memorial services, newspaper clippings marking significant periods, and a 131st history of the church including endowment information written by Sister Ida Brown Mays. Circa 1919 - 1980.

Dates

Creation: 1919 - 1980

Access Restrictions

RIBHS staff may determine use restrictions dependent on the physical condition of manuscript materials.

Copyright Notice

RIBHS staff may determine use restrictions dependent on the physical condition of manuscript materials. The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to the U.S. Copyright Law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.

Historical

Winter Street African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church was founded in 1838 as the "Gaspee Street A.M.E. Zion church" on Gaspee Street in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1891, the church relocated to Winter Street when the property was purchased by the state to build the Rhode Island State House. In 1963, Winter Street church was one of the thirty churches torn down during highway constructions and city redevelopment. In 1964, the Winter Street A.M.E. Zion Church and Wadsworth Street A.M.E. Church in Providence merged congregations and formed the Hood Memorial A.M.E. Zion church, now the Hood-Shaw Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. The first pastor of Hood Memorial, Reverend Arthur L. Hardge went on to become Rhode Island's first African American cabinet member under Governer John Chafee (1967) and director of the University of Rhode Island's Special Program for Talent Development in 1969. The church is currently located at 148 Wadsworth Street. The church has historically hosted church anniverseries, song recitals hosting touring artists (including the Melodiers) and annual conferences. Sister Ida Brown Mays was an active member in the church, honored for her service and contributions as a sunday school teacher.

Extent

0.21 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Winter Street A.M.E Zion Church was founded in 1838 in Providence, Rhode Island. It is now known as Hood-Shaw Memorial church. Materials in this collection include church programs, song recitals, anniversary doucments, newspaper clippings, memorial services and photographs.