The first church, built in 1834, was a wooden construction. In 1875 it was decided to erect a new building and the old church, sold to a local townsman and moved to a different location, was soon replaced by the present building, constructed of gray stone, in the Gothic style. In 1923 a spire was added, containing a carillon of bells. A new Austin electric organ was bought for the church. In 1860, a parish house was built across the street from the church which served until 1962, when the ... view more »
The first church, built in 1834, was a wooden construction. In 1875 it was decided to erect a new building and the old church, sold to a local townsman and moved to a different location, was soon replaced by the present building, constructed of gray stone, in the Gothic style. In 1923 a spire was added, containing a carillon of bells. A new Austin electric organ was bought for the church. In 1860, a parish house was built across the street from the church which served until 1962, when the present hall was erected and attached to the church building. The older hall was sold to the Farm Bureau. A few years ago, a second story was added to the Parish Hall, giving more space for offices and classrooms.
St. Luke’s is noted for its stained glass. Most of these windows were installed roughly in two periods, the first from the 1880’s through 1914. The lancets in the chancel date from this era as do several windows in the nave. A couple of others were added in 1929, but the remainder came during the 1960’s and beyond to the present.
Over the past years, the music program has greatly expanded. In 1900, a vested choir began to participate in the services. More recently, the choir now includes young children as well as those of intermediate age and adults. There is also a group of handbell ringers. Other musical activities include the Music on the Hill concert series held in the church, and music classes held daily offered by the Music School of the RI Philharmonic. The old Austin organ finally gave out, and we now have a new Karl Wilhelm instrument.
Christian Formation is held for youth and adults including Church School and the Journey to Adulthood Program (J2A) for teenagers. Recently the youth have been making missions to the Dominican Republic every two years. Outreach by youth and adults includes the Epiphany Soup Kitchen, a vital Episcopal Charities response, and the use of the building by almost daily AA meetings and various other community groups.
St. Luke’s works closely with the town to provide senior services. A luncheon is available three days a week, in addition to other activities for seniors. A food pantry is also open three days a week for any townspeople in need.
To those for whom we cannot give any more services on this planet, the church has built a Columbarium, located in two different areas of the grounds. There had always been a small cemetery beside the church, but it has been full for many years.
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