Six Church Buildings, One Church Family
On August 17, 1642, Domine Johannes Megapolensis preached his first sermon in Rensselaerswyck. In the congregation was Abraham Staats, a professed barber-surgeon who had accompanied him on the 3 ½ month voyage from Amsterdam. His descendants, Bill Staats and family still worship here. In 1644, the first church was at the dock where the Slater is berthed today. A pulpit was presented to our congregation by the Seven Lordships of the Netherlands in 1650.
In the middle of State Street near “Jacks” was built the “Blockhouse Church” in 1657 to serve as refuge in case of an attack from the French. On Sundays, the men worshipped from the galleries which opened to the roof where small cannon were mounted. The rooster weathervane and pulpit we use today came from Amsterdam for this building.
A larger brick and stone church built on the same site in 1715 served as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the Revolution. On Friday July 19th , following a special service at noon, the congregation walked across the street to hear the Declaration of Independence read on the steps of the State House. The English Church (later St. Peter’s) closed its doors for the duration of the war, and the congregation found themselves without spiritual leadership. Eilardus Westerlo, our minister from 1760-1790, began conducting the afternoon services in English for their benefit. His brother-in-law John Livingston, who assisted him in his duties, translated the sermon into English to be read. Livingston translated the Dutch Psalms and Catechism in 1814. His work made the Dutch Reformed Church accessible to English speaking America.
With Albany’s expansion along the Hudson, ground was broken in 1797 for this building and South Church on Beaver St. Both were designed by noted local architect Philip Hooker. South Church moved to Madison Ave. at South Swan where Motor Vehicle is today in 1881. A disastrous fire in 1937 was the opportunity for the two congregations to become one again. They brought with them the rooster weathervane and the 1650 pulpit which is in now in James Chapel. The reunion of the two congregations was responsible for building the Parish House.
During WWII, our pastors Stephen James and Raymond Clee ministered to the spiritual needs of Albany. We hosted Norman Vincent Peale, Harry Emerson Fosdick and other well known theologians. Thursdays were “Women’s Day” with programs morning, afternoon, and evening for those who came to North and South Pearl Streets for shopping. The Arsenal and other factories employed many men in war work. Rev. Clee led a men’s Sunday morning Bible Study advertised on the sports pages. Over 500 filled State Theater which stood where our parking lot is today. 130 men and women from First Church saw military service and in 1948 our new organ was dedicated to the memory of the 14 who gave their lives.
Article written by: Tom Allison, The First Church in Albany
Written and published for the Times Union entitled: "A Church of Many Firsts".
Here is the link: http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/A-church-of-many-firsts-11943542.php
In the middle of State Street near “Jacks” was built the “Blockhouse Church” in 1657 to serve as refuge in case of an attack from the French. On Sundays, the men worshipped from the galleries which opened to the roof where small cannon were mounted. The rooster weathervane and pulpit we use today came from Amsterdam for this building.
A larger brick and stone church built on the same site in 1715 served as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the Revolution. On Friday July 19th , following a special service at noon, the congregation walked across the street to hear the Declaration of Independence read on the steps of the State House. The English Church (later St. Peter’s) closed its doors for the duration of the war, and the congregation found themselves without spiritual leadership. Eilardus Westerlo, our minister from 1760-1790, began conducting the afternoon services in English for their benefit. His brother-in-law John Livingston, who assisted him in his duties, translated the sermon into English to be read. Livingston translated the Dutch Psalms and Catechism in 1814. His work made the Dutch Reformed Church accessible to English speaking America.
With Albany’s expansion along the Hudson, ground was broken in 1797 for this building and South Church on Beaver St. Both were designed by noted local architect Philip Hooker. South Church moved to Madison Ave. at South Swan where Motor Vehicle is today in 1881. A disastrous fire in 1937 was the opportunity for the two congregations to become one again. They brought with them the rooster weathervane and the 1650 pulpit which is in now in James Chapel. The reunion of the two congregations was responsible for building the Parish House.
During WWII, our pastors Stephen James and Raymond Clee ministered to the spiritual needs of Albany. We hosted Norman Vincent Peale, Harry Emerson Fosdick and other well known theologians. Thursdays were “Women’s Day” with programs morning, afternoon, and evening for those who came to North and South Pearl Streets for shopping. The Arsenal and other factories employed many men in war work. Rev. Clee led a men’s Sunday morning Bible Study advertised on the sports pages. Over 500 filled State Theater which stood where our parking lot is today. 130 men and women from First Church saw military service and in 1948 our new organ was dedicated to the memory of the 14 who gave their lives.
Article written by: Tom Allison, The First Church in Albany
Written and published for the Times Union entitled: "A Church of Many Firsts".
Here is the link: http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/A-church-of-many-firsts-11943542.php