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." COUNT 5
QSN1 Who founded the earliest Baptist church in North America? ANS1 Roger Williams and John Clarke QSN2 When was the first American Baptist church established? ANS2 1639 QSN3 Where did Roger Williams establish a Baptist church? ANS3 Providence, Rhode Island QSN4 Where did John Clarke establish a Baptist church? ANS4 Newport, Rhode Island QSN5 Clarke was what to Williams? ANS5 his compatriot and coworker for religious freedom