Our History
Since 1914, St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea has been a place of worship, fellowship, and spiritual life along the Rhode Island coast. What began as a small seasonal mission chapel has grown into a welcoming year-round parish shaped by faith, service, and community connection.
Over the decades, St. Andrew’s has evolved alongside the people it serves—preserving its rich history while continuing to grow for future generations. From Sakonnet Point to its present home on Willow Avenue, the story of St. Andrew’s is one of generosity, dedication, and enduring faith.
1914–1918
The Beginning of St. Andrew’s
St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea began in 1914 when Mrs. Joseph Wainwright, a summer resident of Little Compton, donated a small building near Sakonnet Point to serve as a mission chapel. Originally intended as a garage, the structure was transformed into a place of worship overlooking the sea.
On August 24, 1914 — St. Bartholomew’s Day — the Rev. John Gardner led the first celebration of Holy Communion at the chapel, marking the beginning of the St. Andrew’s community.
As the mission quickly grew, the original chapel building was relocated farther up Sakonnet Point Road in 1918 to a site near the Stone House. The church was expanded, a belfry was added, and St. Andrew’s was formally incorporated into the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island as an unorganized mission.
St. Andrew's by-the-Sea (circa 1915)
St. Andrew's by-the-Sea with Rectory (circa 1935)
1933–1987
A Growing Coastal Mission
St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea began in 1914 when Mrs. Joseph Wainwright, a summer resident of Little Compton, donated a small building near Sakonnet Point to serve as a mission chapel. The structure had originally been purchased by her husband for use as a garage.
On August 24, 1914 — St. Bartholomew’s Day — the Rev. John Gardner led the first celebration of Holy Communion at the chapel, marking the beginning of the St. Andrew’s community.
1994–1998
A New Home on Willow Avenue
In 1994, St. Andrew’s entered a new chapter in its history by relocating from Sakonnet Point to its present home near the Commons in Little Compton.
The former chapel and rectory were sold to the proprietors of the Stone House, and the congregation purchased the former Guild Building at 182 Willow Avenue. In 1997, St. Andrew’s called the Rev. J. Daniel Burke — a former summertime vicar and retired rector of St. Martin’s Church in Providence — to serve as year-round vicar.
Extensive renovations and restoration work soon began to transform the building into a permanent church home. In the spring of 1998, worship services officially began in the renewed church, establishing the St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea community that continues today.
Commons Guild Building (circa 1992)
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR HISTORY
100 Years of Service
CENTENNIAL EDITION
From the Point to
the Commons
100 years in the making, this completely new edition of the parish history of St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea is filled with rare and historic photos, oral histories, profiles and fascinating facts. From our humble beginnings in 1914 to the Centennial gala in 2014, this lavishly illustrated book is a must-have for all parishioners, past and present!
The first printing has sold out.
An electronic version (pdf) of the book is available for a donation of $15 to the church. Please contact the church office at (401) 635-2452.
