St. David’s on-the-Hill Episcopal Church

Vibrant Episcopal congregation
Family-​friendly
Strong community outreach
Completely independent of one’s faith, I’ll write on the community aspects of St. David’s On The Hill, as well as one perspective on attending regular Sunday services. Clearly, finding the right church home for oneself or one’s family is deeply personal and not to be accomplished by reading an online review. That said, I hope this can serve as some context for those who’d consider St. David’s.
My wife and I were regular attendees of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Providence for many years prior to having a family and moving into the suburbs. For some time, we attended church irregularly, and our needs changed with our young children. Intermittently, we tried St. David’s and enjoyed it, but didn’t really «stick.» In 2012, it came to our knowledge that the Cathedral of St. John was closing down, which effectively closed one door behind us, even as we were making the decision to make a more concerted effort to get back to church regularly. At about the same time, our older son had begun a local Cub Scouts program, held weekly on the premises of St. David’s, so it was fortuitous timing. Given that, we committed to give St. David’s on the Hill a shot.
The parish is active, busy with events and ways to get involved. Longtime members who joined the congregation in the 1960s and ‘70s as the church first opened its doors remain, and have raised their families through the church; their children (and children’s children) remain involved. Other families and attendees have joined over time as well — overall, congregation members are friendly and inviting, and were happy to get to know us when we arrived.
Services (usually at 8am and 10am on Sundays, with a recent addition of a «Mass On The Grass» outdoors on seasonable summer Saturday evenings at 5:30) are structured, well-​paced, and uplifting. Coffee hour is well-​attended and a good chance to catch up with fellow attendees. There are Bible study and book groups, as well as other affinity gatherings and activity groups. A strong link exists between St. David’s and many local service organizations, charities, and outreach programs. Members are very giving of their time, talent, and resources. The Sunday school program is staffed and organized ably, and children benefit from programs made for them to begin the morning, and then join their parents in time for the end of the service (the 10am Sunday service appears to be the best-​attended for families with children).
Of note was that it appeared we had arrived at a time when St. David’s was emerging from a decision to not merge with another parish, primarily considered at the time for sake of finances. After deliberation, it appeared that whatever questions remained about the parish’s viability going forward were essentially answered, and there was confidence St. David’s on the Hill could remain a thriving congregation independently.
Part of that assurance no doubt had to do with Pastor Peter Lane — we find him to be exceptionally warm, welcoming, engaging, and dynamic — the kind of person you want leading your congregation in prayer, discussion, stewardship, and introspection. Vestry members appear knowledgeable and capable in their guidance of the church’s business. Additionally, Bishop Nick Knisely has just been elected Bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island, which brings its own air of newness and promise to the parish and region.
Especially as many parishes are facing difficult times managing themselves, St. David’s on the Hill is in a position of strength. Importantly, that strength is derived from its wealth of good people and activity. I feel fortunate to have found it and joined its community.