First Church in Albany (Reformed)
Historic church in New York, United States / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The First Reformed Church, also known as First Church in Albany or North Dutch Church,[2] is located at North Pearl (New York State Route 32) and Orange streets in Albany, New York, United States. It is a member congregation of the Reformed Church in America. The building was designed by Philip Hooker and built in the period of 1797–1799. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.[1]
First Church in Albany | |
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Religion | |
Affiliation | Reformed Church in America |
Leadership | Rev. John Paarlberg Sr. |
Location | |
Location | Albany, New York, U.S. |
Geographic coordinates | 42°39′13″N 73°45′2″W |
Architecture | |
Architect(s) | Philip Hooker |
Groundbreaking | 1789 |
Completed | 1797-1799 |
Specifications | |
Direction of façade | East |
Length | 116 feet (35 m) |
Width | 70 feet (21 m) |
Spire(s) | 2 |
Materials | Brick, stone |
U.S. National Register of Historic Places | |
Added to NRHP | January 21, 1974 |
NRHP Reference no. | 74001214[1] |
Website | |
The First Church in Albany |
It was established in 1642 to serve the Dutch inhabitants of Fort Orange, the adjacent village of Beverwyck, and the patroonship of Rensselaerswyck in general. It is the second oldest congregation in the state of New York, and the oldest upstate.[3] The current church, designed by Philip Hooker, is the fourth building and the oldest church in Albany.[3] The pulpit was imported from the Netherlands in 1656 and is the oldest pulpit in the United States.[3]
Shortly after construction, a memorial service was held for Alexander Hamilton. Theodore Roosevelt attended services here while Governor, and Queen Wilhelmina visited the church during its 300th anniversary year. The church has been through many renovations since it was built.