3 Landmark Houses of Worship in Newport—Learn About Their Stunning Architecture & Untold Histories

Newport is a city where history is etched into every facade, offering a captivating journey through centuries of American architectural evolution. Beyond its famed Gilded Age mansions, Newport boasts an unparalleled collection of historic buildings, many of which are designated National Historic Landmarks, serving as tangible links to the city’s rich past. This tour invites visitors to explore three must-see structures that not only showcase remarkable architectural styles but also tell compelling stories of colonial life, religious freedom, and the enduring legacy of design.

1. Trinity Church

Trinity Church, located on Queen Anne Square, stands as a magnificent example of Georgian architecture and a cornerstone of Newport’s religious history. Founded in 1698, it holds the distinction of being the oldest Episcopal parish in Rhode Island, a testament to its enduring spiritual presence. The current building, designed by the local builder Richard Munday and completed in 1726, is one of the largest surviving 18th-century churches in New England, recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 1968.  

Munday’s design for Trinity Church, built entirely of wood, drew inspiration from the London churches of Sir Christopher Wren, bearing a striking resemblance to Boston’s Old North Church. What truly sets Trinity Church apart is its remarkably preserved interior. It features a rare, original three-tiered wineglass pulpit, positioned centrally in the aisle before the altar. The church also houses its original organ, a gift from the Anglican theologian and philosopher Dean George Berkeley in 1733. The churchyard serves as the burial site for significant figures, including the Chevalier de Ternay, the French admiral who brought Comte de Rochambeau’s army to Newport to aid in American independence. Historical accounts even suggest that George Washington attended services here in 1781.  

• Primary Architectural Style: Georgian.  
• Architect: Richard Munday.  
• Key Architectural Features: Three-tiered wineglass pulpit (original, central in aisle); original organ; wooden construction; similar to Old North Church in Boston.  
• Historical Significance: Oldest Episcopal parish in Rhode Island (founded 1698); National Historic Landmark since 1968; burial site of Chevalier de Ternay; reportedly attended by George Washington.  
• Visitor Information:
  • Address: 141 Spring Street, Newport, RI
  • Accessibility: Handicap accessible, limited restrooms available.  

2. Touro Synagogue

Touro Synagogue stands as a profound symbol of religious freedom and architectural excellence in America. Dedicated in 1763 and designed by the renowned colonial architect Peter Harrison, it holds the distinguished title of the oldest synagogue building still standing in the United States, as well as the oldest surviving Jewish synagogue building in North America. It is widely considered one of the most architecturally distinguished buildings of 18th-century America and was designated a National Historic Site in 1946.  

The interior of Touro Synagogue is a masterpiece of design, flanked by a series of twelve Ionic columns. These columns, each carved from a single tree, symbolically represent the twelve tribes of ancient Israel. The building itself is meticulously oriented to face east toward Jerusalem, a traditional and significant architectural detail. The synagogue’s historical importance extends to its connection with early American leaders; in 1790, its warden, Moses Seixas, received a famous letter from George Washington, affirming religious liberty in the young nation.  

Touro Synagogue offers history presentations daily, from Sundays through Fridays, with sessions running every 30 minutes, starting at 10:00 AM and with the last presentation at 1:30 PM. The Loeb Visitors Center, which houses interactive exhibits and serves as the point of entry for all tours, is fully handicap accessible, though the synagogue itself is not fully accessible. Parking is limited in the area, and visitors are encouraged to use the Newport Gateway Center or the Newport Trolley. Note: Presentations are held outside the synagogue interior while preservation work is underway.

• Primary Architectural Style: Georgian.  
• Architect: Peter Harrison.  
• Key Architectural Features: 12 Ionic columns (each from a single tree); oriented east toward Jerusalem.  
• Historical Significance: Oldest synagogue building in the US (dedicated 1763); National Historic Site since 1946; connection to George Washington’s letter on religious freedom.  
• Visitor Information:
  • Address: 85 Touro Street, Newport, RI (Loeb Visitors Center entry at 52 Spring Street).

3. St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church, officially known as Saint Mary, Our Lady of the Isle Roman Catholic Church, is a beautiful and historic building that serves as the home to Rhode Island’s oldest Catholic parish, established in 1828. This Gothic Revival style building, designed by the Irish-American architect Patrick C. Keely, began construction in August 1848 and was dedicated in July 1852. Its architectural grandeur reflects the growing Catholic population in Newport, many of whom were Irish immigrants working on the construction of nearby Fort Adams.  

However, for many visitors, St. Mary’s Church holds a particularly iconic place in American history: it was the site of the wedding of future president John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Lee Bouvier on September 12, 1953. This event cemented its status as a significant landmark, drawing visitors interested in this pivotal moment in American political and social history. The church was designated a National Historic Shrine in 1968 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.  

During the summer months, St. Mary’s Church warmly welcomes visitors daily for prayer and visitation outside of its regularly scheduled services. The building and grounds are typically open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with access via the William Street side entrance. Weekend Masses are held on Saturday at 5:15 PM and Sunday at 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:00 AM, during which times the church is also open. It is important for visitors to check the church’s website or call beforehand to confirm opening times, as the schedule is subject to change based on volunteer availability or unforeseen events like funerals. For those requiring wheelchair access, a ramp is available at the breezeway entrance on William Street, and an adjacent parking lot includes handicapped spots.  

• Primary Architectural Style: Gothic Revival.  
• Architect: Patrick C. Keely.  
• Key Architectural Features: Gothic Revival design; historic parish church.  
• Historical Significance: Home to Rhode Island’s oldest Catholic parish (established 1828); site of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Lee Bouvier’s wedding (September 12, 1953); National Historic Shrine (1968).  
• Visitor Information:
  • Address: Spring Street & Memorial Boulevard West, Newport, RI
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access ramp available; adjacent parking with handicapped spots.  

Table: Newport’s Must-See Historic Buildings