At a special called and duly notified Business meeting on Saturday, May 9, 2026, delegates from 37 churches voted to sell the Camp Canonicus property to Canonicus Ministries Inc. for $500,000 to be paid over five years. The vote was 52 yes, 45 no, with 4 abstentions. Closing the sale is anticipated for some time in July.
The vote count reflects the divide over what to do with the place ABCORI members have called home since 1948 and where the region office relocated 25 years ago. A vote to sell the property in 2025 failed and it was last used for camp and conferencing in October 2024, putting the region in a quandary over making a wise use decision.
Region staff will now turn their attention to help identify the future needs and ministry priorities of our churches, including our financial challenges and the need to fund a full-time Executive Minister. The Connections newsletter will share how delegates and members can continue to provide critical input into decisions for the future. Thank you for your prayers for American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island and the work ahead.
Canonicus Ministries Inc.
