Art, Architecture,
and History

Art & Architecture

Both the church and parish house of Saint Martin’s are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The parish house is a half-timbered structure housing offices, classrooms, kitchen,and social spaces including our Great Hall.  The two-story Great Hall is the location for all-parish events and serves the needs of many neighborhood groups. 

The church building, designed by Wallis E. Howe, is a granite structure constructed in early 20th century Gothic Revival style.  Its tower contains a set of ten bells which parishioners play on special occasions.

In the interior of the Church, the nave (the central, open space of the church) is supported by oak truss work and lit by clerestory windows.  The raised chancel (the area for clergy and choir) and sanctuary (worship space of a church/the area around the altar) lead to the high altar in front of a fine, carved oak reredos (ornamented screen).

History

Saint Martin's Church dates from March 3, 1885, when the first of a series of evening services was held on Waterman Street on the East Side of Providence. The corporation of Calvary Episcopal Church resulted from this modest beginning and was formed in 1897. Soon after, a wooden frame building was erected on Orchard Avenue. In 1912 Calvary Church merged with the Church of the Savior and the new united parish voted in 1916 to change its name to Saint Martin's Church.

The need for a new and larger church building and parish house led to construction of the present stone edifice in 1917.
Dr. Arthur L. Washburn then became the first Rector of our parish and served until 1929. The parish grew to more than 500 communicants by 1925.

Over the next decades, Saint Martin's enjoyed a succession of excellent, energetic rectors. The Rev. Russell S. Hubbard went on to become Suffragan Bishop of Western Michigan, and subsequently Bishop of Spokane. The Rev. John Seville Higgins served as Rector from 1948 until 1953, when he became Bishop Coadjuture of the Diocese of Rhode Island.

In 1942, The Rev. John Butler, who went from being rector of Saint Martin’s to a number of prestigious positions and involvement both nationally and internationally, wrote about his first visit with Saint Martin’s Vestry: "I found them to be a splendid, well-knit group of faithful laymen." Lay leadership in the parish was vigorous and remains so today. For a few decades in the early 20th century there were two women on the vestry.

There is also a long history and a strong tradition of music in the parish. Today, under the able direction of our Organist and Choirmaster, Jay MacCubbin, an excellent adult choir, as well as youth and primary choirs, support our anthems and hymns of praise and worship.

From 1978 until 1996, the Rev. J. Daniel Burke, former college chaplain and a caring preacher and pastor, served Saint Martin's as Rector. The physical plant was substantially refurbished during his tenure. Also, as women became ordained to the priesthood, several of them served as assistant clergy over the years. The Rev. Ann S. Coburn became the first woman Rector and served the parish with distinction until 2003. The Rev. David A. Ames served as Priest-in-Charge until a new rector was called in May, 2005.
The Rev. Clare Fischer-Davies began her tenure in July, 2005 as the 8th Rector of St. Martin’s Church. 

St. Martin of Tours

Martin was born in what is now Hungary in 316, son of an officer in the Roman army.  He soon felt called to the life of Christ and felt that military service and Christianity were incompatible.  After, there occurred  the famous incident, which too place near Amiens, when he gave half his cloak to a beggar in whom he saw Christ and then dreamed a dream in which Christ appeared wearing it.  He became a disciple of Saint Hilary at Poitiers and was baptized. 

From 360 onwards, Martin devoted himself to the monastic life, indeed, he had major influence on Western monasticism. His houses were firstly at Liguge near Poitiers and after 372, when he was chosen Bishop of Tours by popular acclaim at Marmoutier, which became a thriving monastery.  In an age when Christianity was largely confined to towns, Martin saw monasteries as a way of promoting rural evangelism based on spiritual centers.  He himself was a most assiduous Bishop, carrying out frequent visitations and defending doctrine.

Martin’s followers panicked when he told them he knew he was near death, but the saint entrusted himself to the Lord’s will in the words: “Lord, if your people still need me I do not refuse the work; let your will be done”.  He died on November 8th, 397. 

Our Goose!

One of the symbols associated with Saint Martin is the Goose.  Legend has it that Martin did not want to be made Bishop of Tours, so he hid out in some farm buildings.  When church officials came looking for him the geese put up a great racket and exposed his hiding place.  Saint Martin’s has taken on the goose as a mascot and occasional spokesperson.

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