February 22, 2012

The Episcopal Cathedral of Saint John in Providence, Rhode Island, announced Feb. 21 that, due to dwindling financial resources, its worship and pastoral services will be suspended after April 22.

The St. John's building at 271 North Main will retain its status as the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. A cathedral serves as the seat of the bishop, the central place of pastoral and teaching ministries for all Episcopal churches in that diocese.

"The cathedral congregation has experienced serious financial difficulty, and a decision was made to suspend services for now," said the Rt. Rev. David Joslin, the cathedral's acting dean. "This decision, of course, was not made lightly or quickly. And additionally, it does not permanently close the cathedral; it only ceases the usual Sunday services and pastoral care."

Joslin said that this financial situation has been evolving for many years, and has now come to the place where it needs to be addressed.

Members of the cathedral congregation are being welcomed to join Grace Church on Westminster Street in Providence, or any of the 52 Episcopal churches in Rhode Island. There are six other Episcopal churches located in Providence.

The Cathedral of Saint John, which was established as King's Chapel in 1722, has been a continuing center for worship and outreach for 290 years. In 1794, the name of the church was changed to Saint John, and in 1929, the church became the official seat of the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, receiving its designation as the Cathedral of Saint John.

The last Holy Eucharist for the cathedral congregation will be held on Sunday, April 22, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a time to celebrate St. John's many years of service.

Episcopal News Service
Diocese of Rhode Island