First Church in Albany

First Church in Albany is a Federal-style church building with twin towers constructed between 1797 and 1799. The structure features stone-trimmed windows and maintains its classical proportions along North Pearl Street.

The church was established in 1642 to serve the Dutch settlers at Fort Orange, with the current brick structure completed in 1799 under architect Philip Hooker. This period marked a major redesign reflecting the evolving community.

The congregation follows traditions rooted in its Dutch founding community and continues to shape worship practices in the present day. People gather in the pews to participate in a history that has connected generations of Albany residents.

The church is accessible from North Pearl Street in downtown Albany and can be easily reached on foot from nearby areas. Visitors can enter during operating hours to view the interior.

A pulpit imported from the Netherlands in 1656 remains in active use during regular services and ranks among the oldest continuously used pieces of its kind in North America. This fixture directly connects visitors to centuries of religious practice.

Location: Albany

Inception: 1797

Architects: Philip Hooker

Website: http://firstchurchinalbany.org

GPS coordinates: 42.65360,-73.75060

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:46