History First Church in Albany (Reformed)

the 1715 church

three years later church began mission mohawks, native american tribe in area. continued 50 years , baptized on 300 converts. in 1715 church built larger, hip-roofed stone church around blockhouse church, dismantled older building.

five years later church formally incorporated itself, reformed protestant dutch church in city of albany. half-century later, revolution loomed, church among founding members of independent synod later became today s reformed church in america (rca). american colonies followed church s lead , fought independence britain, church held prayer meetings , opened doors serve hospital troops of continental army injured @ battle of saratoga.

in 1782, war ending american independence outcome, general george washington visited church s consistory thank them support. around same time, church began holding first services in english, totally overtake dutch liturgical language within 8 years. part of classis of albany established in 1785.

two years later, church began divest of pasturelands south of city, opening them development. in 1789, process of building current church began. philip hooker, local carpenter s son had been establishing himself architect in albany area, commissioned design it. took several years construction going on hooker s first major work, delayed punch list items changing roof cladding shingles in , altering cupola design. in 1798, few months before $25,000 ($353,000 in modern dollars) project completed , opened services, 1 of albany s newspapers called superb , elegant building.

hooker s georgian design featured graceful pediments , grouped columns. may have based on charles bulfinch s hollis street church in boston. when built main block, , simpler front entrance. windows set plain leaded glass.

the 1715 church sold city , demolished in 1806. handcarved pulpit preserved , reused in new church. 5 years later second church building completed , opened on beaver street, known south dutch church. in 1815 incorporated separately second reformed protestant dutch church.

in 1830, church expanded new wing on rear. hooker, in sixties, consulted john boardman, architect of expansion. included plans memorandum him sketch. expanded wing housed lecture rooms , consistory.

the 1850s important decade church. in 1854 last vestiges of colonial past ended sale of remaining pasturelands. 2 years later board of trustees established manage church. finally, in 1858, renovation , expansion took place.

this renovation more extensive , visibly changed church. romanesque front added , windows changed stained glass. inside vaulted ceiling added, enlarged organ. central heating , new lecture rooms added.

stain glass of church

at beginning of 20th century, in 1903, church sent missionary india. began programs there continued 50 years. decade later interior redecorated following plans tiffany studios. green stained glass windows added, along green stenciling on walls, new chancel woodwork , wood-glass screen in rear.

in 1918, church began changes in governance. elders, deacons , trustees jointly approved first annual budget. paved way church merge second dutch church 20 years later, making them single organization again after on century apart, known first church in albany. accommodate combined congregations, old lecture hall replaced new parish house next year.

the work did not stop there. in 1940 interior again redecorated. sanctuary repainted, dark red oak reredos installed in chancel, , choir loft widened. on outside walls sandblasted, towers widened , roof redone. renewed, church welcomed then-exiled queen wilhelmina 300th anniversary celebration in 1942. after world war ii, interior improvements continued new organ.

first church in albany historical marker

in ensuing decades changes in city, , society, led more changes in church. throughout 1960s , 70s bought neighboring lots use parking congregants lived outside city. set aside use small urban park. in 1973, after changes in rca s book of church order permitted it, first female elder , deacon elected. next year clee park dedicated church marked national register listing, , summer drive-in worship, in attendees remain in cars while minister conducts services outdoor pulpit, began.

renovations have taken place since then. in 1988 parish house expanded new offices, lobby , elevator. these completed, church able celebrate 350th anniversary in 1992 hosting rca s general synod.