The chapel was built in 1875 by architect William Russell Walker at the behest of James Eddy.

Eddy was a wealthy engraver and art dealer who advocated a theology that was unusual for its time.

He had a private chapel built on the land adjacent to his property, hoping that he might be able to find some people who agreed with his theology.

Anna Garlin Spencer, a Providence philanthropist and philosopher, was asked to spearhead the creation of a new congregation using the chapel.

She remained there ten years and was ordained by the congregation as the first female minister of any denomination in the State of Rhode Island.