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.