<P> Both Roger Williams and John Clarke , his compatriot and coworker for religious freedom , are variously credited as founding the earliest Baptist church in North America . In 1639 , Williams established a Baptist church in Providence , Rhode Island , and Clarke began a Baptist church in Newport , Rhode Island . According to a Baptist historian who has researched the matter extensively , `` There is much debate over the centuries as to whether the Providence or Newport church deserved the place of ' first ' Baptist congregation in America . Exact records for both congregations are lacking . '' </P>
<P> Both Roger Williams and John Clarke , his compatriot and coworker for religious freedom , are variously credited as founding the earliest Baptist church in North America . In 1639 , Williams established a Baptist church in Providence , Rhode Island , and Clarke began a Baptist church in Newport , Rhode Island . According to a Baptist historian who has researched the matter extensively , `` There is much debate over the centuries as to whether the Providence or Newport church deserved the place of ' first ' Baptist congregation in America . Exact records for both congregations are lacking . '' </P>
when did the baptist church start in america
when did the baptist church start in america
1639
1639