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Daniel Abbott, who donated the land for the Congregational Church next door, gave this small parcel of land for a public square, “in the true New England manner,” for the newly established congregation. Providence’s oldest dedicated public space, it is little understood as a political statement rejecting Rhode Island’s religious freedom and expressing a longing to emulate the theocratic Massachusetts model. Perceived and used as a public space, it is still owned and maintained by Beneficent Congregational Church.

– 2003 Guide to Providence Architecture

© 2024 Guide to Providence Architecture. All rights reserved. Design by J. Hogue at Highchair designhaus, with development & support by Kay Belardinelli.