The Diocese of Providence formed 1897 and soon had its own Parish Council and an Armenian National Library Association by 1897. The Council invited various priests to conduct religious services and give spiritual guidance to the community.
By 1913, the Armenian community yearned for a church building of its own. Prior to 1913, services were held at 50 Exchange Place in Providence. In August, the Armenian community organized with the purpose of raising funds to the purchase a church building. The church was consecrated, and it was where the Apostolic Armenians of Rhode Island worshipped together and worked together for over twenty years until political differences forced new changes and an historic split in the community.
Sts. Sahag & Mesrob
In 1913, the Armenian Apostolic community purchased Jefferson Street Baptist Church for $9,100. It was chartered by the state on September 26, 1913. Mortgages were obtained and discharged by 1938.
The Antranig Badarak (first Divine Liturgy) was held on January 18, 1914. On June 7, 1914, Saints Sahag and MesrobArmenian Apostolic Church was consecrated as the Holy Translators (the name change took place many years later) - by the Right Reverend Bishop Moushegh Seropian assisted by the Reverend Father Shahe Kasparian, the Very Reverend Dripon Bidzagian, and the Vicar General Reverend Matteos Manigian.
Parish Council governance continued, and organizations were established including a choir, Armenian language school, Sunday School, Ladies' Aid Society and the Women's Guild. In 1946 the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America was organized. Over the years, adjacent properties were purchased for church social and cultural endeavors. The church celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014.
Sts. Vartanantz
The political situation causing the split in the church, resulted in an imperative for an additional church. A Board of Trustees was elected. The search began in 1934. Worship services were held at a Greek Church and other locations; the building at 197 Broad Street was purchased. In January 1940, St James Episcopal church at402 Broadway was purchased for $18,000; by 1947, the mortgage was paid.
On June 23, 1940 the church was consecrated and renamed Sts VartanantzArmenian Apostolic Church by the pastor, Reverend Yeghishe Gasparian, the Reverend Hoosig Nakhnikian, the Reverend Arch priest Nishan Papazian, the Reverend Archpriest Stepan Garabedian and the Reverend Arch priest Matteos Manigian.
Organizations included the continuation of the Board of Trustees as well as the Ladies Auxiliary. Other organizations were formed including the Junior Ladies Auxiliary which became the Ladies Guild, Sunday School, Armenian Language School, Men's Club, Armenian Relief Society, Armenian Youth Federation and Homenetmen. Adjoining properties were purchased for church social and cultural activities.
Armenian Evangelical Church
The first Armenian Church officially established in North America is the "Armenian Evangelical Church" of Providence, Rhode Island. It was funded by a handful of Armenian Evangelicals, mostly graduates of Kharpert's Euphrates Armenian College.
In 1889, several immigrant families, bound by their Armenian identity and their Protestant Evangelical faith, united in weekly prayer. Within two years, these founding families organized as a church and held regular weekly worship services in the Beneficent Congregational Church in Providence. Monthly services were held in Rehoboth, Massachusetts.
In 1912, 42 Hammond Street, Providence, was purchased where the congregation remained for 56 years. Incorporated as the Armenian Evangelical Church of Providence, RI, "Euphrates" was added to the name several years later to reflect several of the spiritual leaders ("Armenian Kharpert Missionary College," later called, "Euphrates College" in Turkey). A Board of Trustees was established as well as a Sunday School, a Choir and a Ladies Aid group. The first Armenian School was started.
The necessity for more space led to the purchase of a 13 Franklin Street in 1966 which was the spiritual home from 1968 to 2011. The current church building at 180 OaklawnAvenue, Cranston was purchased, and the name changed back to "Armenian Evangelical Church." The first service was on September 5th with a dedication on October 9, 2011 at which time the church celebrated its 120th anniversary.