Well known as "The White Church" in the East Bay, Barrington Congregational also is one of Rhode Island's oldest. Founded in 1717, the landmark church actually dates back to the 1660s, when a congregation gathered not far away on Hundred Acre Cove.

This Congregational/UCC church is rooted in the "covenantal" tradition, according to its senior pastor, the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey W. Larsen. There is no centralized authority or hierarchy to impose doctrine or a form of worship. "Everything is determined by a democratic vote of the congregation," says Rev. Larsen. Sunday School, youth programs, education and community outreach are its primary focuses. "We believe in community and see the life of Jesus as a model," Rev. Larsen says. The associate pastor is the Rev. Elizabeth Barnum.