A new St. Paul's is built in 1916
By the turn of the century, the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church,
commonly called the Swedish Lutheran Church, had been enlarged and
renovated. A growing congregation, feeling that the 1876 church needed
changes, wanted to modernize and make the church more comfortable. The
movement began when Rev. T. O. Linell was the pastor, and continued for
a number of years.
The Expansion
In 1897, under the guidance of Rev. K. N. Rabenius, the church was
expanded to include a room on each side of the altar. At that time,
steam heat, electric lights, and new windows were added to provide the
church with modern improvements and comforts. The one item that aroused
the most interest was the acquisition of a new bell. The 1951 church
history informs us that the old bell was sent to Upsala College in New
Jersey. The old bell was precious to many and had its own story to tell
of the dedication of the early church members. The story of its history
relates, "It is said that Claes Ahlstrom sold his cow in order to buy
this old bell for the church."
Bearing the cost
The cost of improvements amounted to $5000. Donations by some of the
leading politicians and wealthy citizens helped, but it was the society
and members of the church organizations that raised the money to pay
off the debt. The names of donors and the amounts given included:
Governor Aram Pothier ($15.00), Senator Nelson W. Aldrich ($25.00),
Senator George Peabody Wetmore ($50.00), and Mr. Robert Knight ($200).
The politicians involved, all very wealthy men, were made aware of the
plight of the church by Robert Knight, a large contributor to political
campaigns and one of the most influential mill owners of the day.
The Reverend Rabenius
The pastor during this period of expansion, K. N. Rabenius, was a very
energetic and dynamic leader. In addition to his pastoral duties, he
found time to serve as a representative in the Rhode Island General
Assembly. His twelve-year tenure as pastor of the Pontiac church ended
abruptly in 1909 when the forty seven year old clergyman was stricken
and died. The church history tells us that his funeral was well
attended by members of the legislature, friends in the community, and
nearly the entire four hundred and seventy six members of the
congregation. His last words were, "Tell the congregation that I have
always believed what I have preached to them. Ask them if my sermons
are to bear any fruit among them for eternity."
The Fire of 1914
Five years after Rev. Rabenius' death, a fire, probably caused by
faulty wiring, set the church ablaze. The Reverend Abel Ahlquist had
become the pastor in March 1914, and the church seemed destined for
peace and tranquility. Nine months later Rev. Ahlquist led his
congregation in prayer as they gathered near the smoking ruins that
once was their church.
The Reverend Ahlquist made an eloquent plea for rebuilding the church
and almost at once work was begun. By September 1916, the new church
was completed and ready. Dr. Ahlquist commented in 1917, "The will to
sacrifice in the congregation during the past year has been especially
commendable. ...All have worked for the welfare of the church."
Paying for the new church---10 cents a week
The congregation received $5,370 in insurance for the loss, B. B.
&R. Knight Co. donated $1,000 and a loan of $8000 was secured from
a bank. The church history notes, "Large sums were gathered through a
plan by which each member over eighteen years of age gave ten cents per
week." Besides this, we are told, "church organizations contributed
substantial sums...." The simple, semi Gothic type church was built by
the Kingston Building Firm of Providence. When this frame structure was
built, it had a seating capacity of about three hundred and fifty. The
white building features a belfry with a large bell and a spire "crowned
with a gilded Celtic cross." This new church was formally dedicated on
May 20, 1917 and interested observers came from many areas of Rhode
Island.
For many miles around, St. Paul’s tall spire and gilded Celtic cross have been a recognizable landmark reminding us of the time the church was built in 1917. Photo Don D’Amato 2006