The newest bank to open a branch in Barrington showed its focus on the community during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, April 21. 

Officials from Washington Trust invited representatives from the local nonprofit, Tap-In, to the event and presented them with a $1,000 donation. 

Standing inside the new bank branch at 236 County Road, Chairman and CEO Edward O. “Ned” Handy III said Washington Trust was committed to becoming part of the fabric of the Barrington community. 

“The town maybe didn’t need another bank, but they need us,” Handy said. “They need Washington Trust. We’ll be part of the fabric immediately. It’s a big part of what we do. We’ll figure out how to play a positive role in much more than just serving customers.”

Washington Trust is the nation’s oldest community bank — it has been around for more than 222 years. The Barrington location is the 26th Washington Trust branch, and the 25th branch located in Rhode Island.

Handy said Washington Trust is very excited to open a branch in Barrington. 

“It’s just a great market for us,” he said. 

Handy said Washington Trust had been looking to move into town for some time and is very happy with their branch location. For months, crews have been working hard to renovate the space that had formerly been home to a Rite Aid pharmacy. The plaza will now be anchored by the Washington Trust branch, and additional storefronts have been added to the back half of the building. 

“These things probably take a year to find the location, set it up with the builder, get the owner aligned with us,” Handy said. “The town’s been great to work with. We’re happy to deliver such a great site. As soon as we saw it, we knew we had to focus on it. We looked at another location that ended up going to somebody else. That was a little upsetting, but now, in hindsight, we’re pleased.”

Customers can access lobby banking services Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. 

There is a walk-up ATM at the branch open 24/7, and officials are also constructing a drive-through ATM in the parking lot to the rear of the bank. The drive-through ATM is expected to be operational by the end of April. 

The Barrington staff will be led by Vice President and Branch Manager Michael Geoghegan Jr., who has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry, and has served as the branch manager at the Washington Trust branch located at 1473 Warwick Ave in Warwick for the past seven years. 

Grand opening

Washington Trust will hold a grand opening celebration on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will include entertainment from the Barrington High School Jazz band, prizes, refreshments and more.