First Church in Albany (Reformed), Albany
The First Reformed Church was designed by the noted architect Philip Hooker. Completed in 1798, this church is a proud member of the Reformed Church in America and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The congregation is the second oldest in New York State, having been established in 1642 to serve the Dutch settlers of Fort Orange, the village of Beverwyck, and the broader patronship of Rensselaerswyck.
The current building is the fourth to house the congregation, reflecting its long and evolving history. Among its many notable features is the pulpit, imported from the Netherlands in 1656, which holds the distinction of being the oldest pulpit in the United States. This historical church also hosted a memorial service for Alexander Hamilton shortly after its construction, underscoring its significance in American history. Known as the North Dutch Church after the construction of the South Church in 1806, it has been a central place of worship for many, including Theodore Roosevelt during his tenure as Governor of New York.
Inside the First Reformed Church, numerous artifacts reflect its rich heritage. The church boasts the oldest weathercock in the United States, also dating back to 1656. Additionally, it houses a substantial collection of colonial silver and maintains extensive archival records from the 18th century to the present day.
The current building is the fourth to house the congregation, reflecting its long and evolving history. Among its many notable features is the pulpit, imported from the Netherlands in 1656, which holds the distinction of being the oldest pulpit in the United States. This historical church also hosted a memorial service for Alexander Hamilton shortly after its construction, underscoring its significance in American history. Known as the North Dutch Church after the construction of the South Church in 1806, it has been a central place of worship for many, including Theodore Roosevelt during his tenure as Governor of New York.
Inside the First Reformed Church, numerous artifacts reflect its rich heritage. The church boasts the oldest weathercock in the United States, also dating back to 1656. Additionally, it houses a substantial collection of colonial silver and maintains extensive archival records from the 18th century to the present day.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Albany. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
First Church in Albany (Reformed) on Map
Sight Name: First Church in Albany (Reformed)
Sight Location: Albany, USA (See walking tours in Albany)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Albany, USA (See walking tours in Albany)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Albany, New York
Create Your Own Walk in Albany
Creating your own self-guided walk in Albany is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Albany's Historical Buildings Tour
Albany is steeped in history and architectural splendor, featuring a varied collection of buildings that mirror its diverse and layered past. The city鈥檚 architecture ranges from majestic government edifices to prominent educational establishments, highlighting Albany鈥檚 role as a key political and cultural center.
More than just functional structures, these buildings are lasting emblems of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
More than just functional structures, these buildings are lasting emblems of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Albany Introduction Walking Tour
Albany, the state capital of New York, is a small city with a storied canvas that holds a significant place in the narrative of New York and the broader United States.
The Hudson River area in which it lies was originally inhabited by the indigenous Mohican people. In 1614, the territory was settled by Dutch colonists. Fifty years later, the English took over the Dutch settlement, renaming it... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
The Hudson River area in which it lies was originally inhabited by the indigenous Mohican people. In 1614, the territory was settled by Dutch colonists. Fifty years later, the English took over the Dutch settlement, renaming it... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles