Historical Information on our Church
First House of Worship - 517 River Street - November 1953 - January 1955 Saint James Baptist Church was
founded on or about November 25, 1953, under the leadership of Rev. James Wesley Hinson. Rev. Hinson
met at the home of Mrs. Henrietta Collins Johnson to discuss the possibility of organizing another Baptist
Church in the city of Woonsocket. A short time later, Rev. Hinson met at the home of Mr. Henry Spearman at
153 River Street. There final plans were put into action to organize and build a little church in Woonsocket so
we could worship God in any manner the spirit directed us.Our first service was held at 517 River Street, a
rented union hall. To accommodate the congregation, 25 chairs were borrowed from a local funeral parlor.
Nineteen persons stepped out on faith and joined the newly formed Church. At this location the Sunday
School, a choir, the Deacon Board, the Deaconess Board, the Pastors Aid Society, a Men's Club, a Womens
club and the BYF were organized. Chairs were purchased and the little union hall was renovated to better fit
our needs. This was a small building rented from Mr. & Mrs. Albert Perrico for the sum of $15.00 per month.
We worshipped there until 1955 and began our search for a larger place of worship to accomodate our
growing congregation, which had grown to about 56 members.
Second House of Worship - 368 Prospect Street -February 1955 - January 1957
Meanwhile the people of the community took notice in our pursuant . A Mr. Matthew Koly, one of Woonsocket's
most prominent lawyers, heard of our work. Mr Koly called Rev. Hinson and told him of a large house, the
Baker Estate, owned by him. That house located at 368 Prospect Street became our second house of
worship. It was purchased from Mr. Koly for a sum of $19, 000. 00 and our worship service was held there on
the first Sunday in February of 1955. This location also served as a Parsonage. Our congregation continued
to grow to over 75 members. In the latter part of 1956, Saint James started to experience growing pains and
once again set forth on a mission to seek another house of worship to fulfill the needs of a steadily growing
congregation.
Third House of Worship - 267 Blackstone Street January 13, 1957 On January 19, 1957, the membership of
Saint James Baptist Church purchased the Presbyterian Church located at 267 Blackstone Street. On May
23, 1960 our hearts were saddened by the death of our founder and pastor Rev. J. W. Hinson. At this time,
Rev. Louis Williams was called to lead us. The senior and junior choirs were formed under the direction of
his wife, Mrs Leona Williams. Rev Donald Walker was called to serve from 1966 until 1968. Under his
leadership we installed our first pool and our first in house baptism was performed. Rev. Henry Tilley
pastored Saint James from January 1, 1970 until November 11, 1970. Under Rev. Tilley's guidance, the
sanctuary was renovated. At intevals in our history, we were blessed with Rev. Roscoe Nelson and Rev.
Richard Dudley, Interim Pastors. In Feburary of 1971,
Rev. Hugh A. McGhee was called as our Interim Pastor and in March 1973, he became our fifth Pastor.Fourth
House of Worship - 340 South Main Street - Rev. Hugh A. McGhee Rev. McGhee served Saint James for
almost eighteen years. Our accomplishments under Rev. McGhee are numerous: 1972 purchased
parsonage at 528 Fairmount Street, 1974 purchased fourth house of worship at 340 South Main Street, 1975
Elected 1st Vice President, UBC of MA, RI & NH, 1979 Installation of Baptismal pool, 1981 adoption of new
Constitution & By-Laws, 1984 purchased new Church Van, 1986 purchased new organ and in 1988 the
Church mortgage was burned. Rev. McGhee retired in 1989. Rev. McGhee was named Honorary Pastor
Emeritus of Saint James Baptist Church prior to his death.
Rev. Dr. Sammy C. Vaughan In 1989, Rev Sammy C. Vaughan was called to serve as Interim Pastor. He was
elected Pastor on February 23, 1991 and duly installed on June 30, 1991. Our accomplishments under Rev.
Vaughan are: Reinstitution of the Bible Study Program, an increase in the membership rolls, the
development of a Church outreach brochure, modernization of the Parsonage. We established a finance
committee, updated the financial reporting system, renovated the parking lot entrance and installed a new
parking lot. We performed major renovations to the church building (inside and out) to include the installation
of a new roof. We are the recipients of new hymnals dedicated by our church members. We recently installed
central air conditioning in our sanctuary. We purchased two vans to provide transportation in our mission to
spread the Gospel. We have acquired the National Guard Armory adjoining our property from The State of
Rhode Island and the plan, funds permitting is to create a Non-Profit Community Outreach and Resource
Center. We are incorporated under the name of "Human Development Center of Greater Woonsocket." We
have acquired our 501(c)3 tax exemption status. In addition to nourishment for our souls, to feed our minds,
we purchased the building adjoining us on the opposite side of the Church and created an Educational
Center. We installed handicap ramps on the Church and Education Building. To stay abreast with the new
technology, we have purchased computers for the use of the church as well as to teach new technologies to
our youth and other interested members. "Sister's in-Christ" was founded under the leadership of First Lady
Gwendolyn E. Vaughan. With God's help we are continuing to help build his Kingdom on earth.
