Seamen's Church Institute of Newport

05/21/2026

Built in 1930, the historic Seamen’s Church Institute was designed by architect Frederick Rhinelander King and commissioned by the Wetmore family. After working with legendary firms McKim, Mead & White and Carrère & Hastings, King went on to design several notable buildings across Newport and New York—leaving a lasting mark on American architecture.

04/27/2026

We’ve hosted just about every type of event imaginable over the years—including many beautiful weddings! 💍

From our Seafarer’s Chapel to the Mariner’s Library, Lounge, and Garden, our spaces are perfect for creating unforgettable moments in the City by the Sea.

Now booking for Summer 2026—let’s make your event one to remember!

04/22/2026

Our Community Meal program proudly serves a healthy, warm meal to anyone in need on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. 🍽️

For over 106 years, it has been an honor to serve thousands in our community—and we remain committed to continuing this mission for generations to come.

This work is made possible through the generous support of grants from the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Foundation.

04/15/2026

⚓ Meet Our Executive Director: Ann Souder ⚓

A trusted steward of the Seamen’s Church Institute, Ann Souder has been at the helm since 2019. A lifelong mariner and competitive sailor, Ann passionately leads the mission and navigates the operations of this 100-year-old institution, charting a course for a bright future.

04/09/2026

✨ Discover the Chapel of the Sea ✨
A hidden gem at Seamen’s, open to visitors along Newport Harbor. 🛥️

Step inside to experience its carved wood altar, intricate mosaic tiles, and the breathtaking mural by Durr Freedly. Every detail inspires a truly spiritual and peaceful moment. 🙏

Come see why this chapel is more than just a place—it’s an experience.
📸by Cahill Taft

03/27/2026

A true piece of history on Newport Harbor ⚓️

A National Historic Landmark, Seamen’s Church Institute fronts along historic Market Square, and the site of the former Government Landing— with ferries to Jamestown and military installations across Narragansett Bay.

With its striking architecture and prime waterfront location, Seamen's Church Institute continues to capture attention and tell the story of Newport’s rich maritime past.

01/20/2026

We’d like to extend an invitation on behalf of our friends at The Newport Community School and Community Cookery 🥕🍲

Save yourself the time and hassle of meal prep this winter. Order your favorite Farmer’s Market items and enjoy them all season long. Local, delicious, and convenient—what’s not to love?
Also, Catering options available. Visit: https://communitycookery.org/ for menu options

11/28/2025

We are incredibly thankful for our wonderful Newport community and for the sense of family that the Seamen’s Church Institute provides. We had such a wonderful day yesterday at our Thanksgiving Community Meal, thanks to our amazing volunteers—especially those who cooked and prepared all week so we could enjoy a delicious turkey dinner with all CRU Cafe Newport also extend our gratitude to our BoaThe Waters Edge Flowersors for purchasing all the tasty desserts and ingredients for the meal; to Cru Cafe Newport for generously donating the coffee and beverages; to The Waters Edge Flowers for providing a beautiful centerpiece each year; to all who donated warm hats, gloves, and coats for our Thanksgiving giveaway; and to Dennis Brislow for sharing his lovely music.

It was a joy to open our doors to the community and share music, laughter, and food together.

11/18/2025

11/29/2024

We are incredibly thankful for our Seamen’s community. We had full hearts and bellies yesterday thanks to our amazing team of nearly 40 volunteers. A special thanks to Elisabeth Mahon Hickox for her 10 years of serving as head chef for our annual Thanksgiving dinner. She, along with her tireless kitchen crew, spend countless hours in the kitchen preparing our hearty and delicious homemade meal. Thank you to our board members for donating all the ingredients to make this special meal, thank you to The Waters Edge Flowers for donating such lovely arrangements for our table centerpieces, thank you to CRU Cafe Newport for the donation of hot coffee and cider, thank you to the Community Cookery for use of their space all week, The Newport Daily News, The Providence Journal, What's Up Newp, we very much appreciate your sharing our story, to Dennis Bristow for once again providing music for the occasion, and again thanks to all our lovely guests that came to share in our company and give thanks. We are so thankful!