• February 21st 1868: "workmen began demolition of the old wooden houses on Eagle street preparatory to building the Congregational Church."
  
• May 15th 1868: "ground was broken for the ereection of the Congregational edifice"
  
• May 1st 1869: "The scaffolding was removed from the spire of the new Congregational Church, disclosing the tallest and on eofthe most summetrical steeples in the city."

During the late 1890s, the growing industrial and commercial uses in Albany’s downtown were causing residents to migrate out of the downtown and westward toward the suburbs. Rev. Charles S. Hager, pastor of the church, observed at one meeting that the few residents left in the downtown neighborhoods were predominantly “non-Protestant." While the church continued to be one of the most prominent in downtown Albany, he noted that "it has ceased to be a good residence section” and members often had to travel great distances to attend services.

Meanwhile, concerns with the church building were starting to mount and the structure was plagued with water and heating issues. In an effort to help pay for some of the building repairs, a portion of the church lot was sold in early 1912 to the J.B. Lyon Company for construction of a business block. During these negotiations, the company revealed their interest in purchasing the entire church property for redevelopment. With maintenance costs spiraling out of control and a declining neighborhood population, church leaders began to contemplate a relocation of the church.

On May 2nd 1912, a special meeting was held to consider sale of the entirety of the church property to the J.B. Lyon Company. An overwhelming majority approved a resolution to sell the lot and building. However, the congregation would Keep the organ, pulpit, pews, bell, gas fixtures, and furnishings (for relocation to a new church building).  Although the transaction with the Lyon Company was never realized, the congregation had already decided they would be best served by relocation to another part of the city. 

Meanwhile, the area around New Scotland Avenue was largely undeveloped and often described as “rural.”  By the early 1900s, the only notable buildings in that area consisted of an icehouse, various sheds, and service structures. However, residents were moving into this area to escape the downtown industrial climate.

In 1911, the Woodlawn Improvement Association established a bus route along New Scotland Avenue to improve access into the city center. With the improved access, the Woodlawn neighborhood saw a surge in construction of new homes as well as commercial growth along the north side of New Scotland Road (later renamed “New Scotland Avenue”).

During this time, a small non-denominational Sunday School was being held in the chapel of the Allen Women’s Christian Temperance Union on Seneca Street (near the intersection of Woodlawn and Ontario). In need of assistance, Harry E. Cowles was enlisted to serve as superintendent of the Sunday School. Cowles, a trustee of First Congregational, used this as an opportunity to create a connection between the downtown church and the Woodlawn neighborhood.

Despite the complications at the downtown location, the Woodlawn neighborhood Sunday School program was gaining momentum. The program was so successful that in October 1914 it was decided that the regular evening service at First Congregational Church would be omitted so that the pastor, organist, and precentor could hold an evening service for Woodlawn neighborhood residents in the Allen Chapel on Seneca Street. 

The first service at the “Allen Chapel” was held on October 18th, 1914.  Growing attendance at the Sunday School and evening chapel services caused church leaders to realize a “church of the Congregational type” was needed in the Woodlawn neighborhood. On January 13th 1915, the “Allen Congregational” organization was formed, affiliated with the First Congregational Church, to give “order and support for the growing constituency.” 

While the sale of the old church continued to stall, church members active with the “Allen Congregational” mission continued to become more engaged with the community.  By fall of 1916, the residential neighborhood began to take shape.

Originally, the Woodlawn area was never considered as a new site for First Congregational Church. With streetcar service still lacking in this portion of the city, the pace of development was modest and the area considered “remote” and inaccessible for many of the current church members downtown.

With the church’s interests split between a non-residential downtown and the growing Woodlawn area, church members called for action. Some felt First Congregational Church should continue to focus on a downtown presence, leaving Allen Congregational to form their own wholly separate group to serve that community. Others advocated for a “mother church” in the downtown, with a branch in the Woodlawn neighborhood.

To help provide some guidance in the matter, directors of the New York Congregational Conference visited Albany and offered advice to church leaders. They suggested a survey of the Woodlawn neighborhood to gauge interest and opinion on whether there was interest in a church in that area. In October 1916, church volunteers began to canvass and poll the Woodlawn community. 

While the survey was underway in the Woodlawn area, progress had been made on the sale of the church building downtown.  William V.R. Irving, Commissioner of Public Safety for the City of Albany, was looking for sites for a new municipal building and offered to purchase the property from the church. At its annual meeting on January 15th 1917, the congregation authorized the sale of the church property for $35,000, excluding building fixtures.

Meanwhile, results of the Woodlawn canvass were presented to church leaders. Rev. Hagar advocated strongly for selecting the Woodlawn neighborhood as a new church home based on the following reasons:

1. Several influential families in the church had recently moved near the Woodlawn neighborhood, which was fast becoming a desirable residential area
2. The canvass revealed (1) residents were enthusiastic about the prospect of First Congregational relocating to the neighborhood; (2) many of these residents had children of Sunday School age; and (3) a number of residents had Congregational affiliations in the past.
3. There were no churches of any denomination “within a convenient distance”
4. The bus-line was already a success and it was only a matter of time before citywide transportation services were improved and connected to the neighborhood
5. Location anywhere else within city limits would place the church in “too close proximity” (and in competition) with other churches

Therefore, not only was a church needed and desired in this area, it was also the only logical location.

A resolution recommended the purchase of several building lots on the corner of Woodlawn Avenue and Quail Street. After some investigation and with the approval of the congregation, the Board of Trustees modified the lots in question.  Rather than an orientation towards Woodlawn Avenue, Trustees found it  preferable to secure frontage along Quail Street between Maple and Woodlawn Avenues, with a reduced frontage on Woodlawn Avenue. The resolution was approved on February 5, 1917.

Rev. Hagar's last service at the downtown church was held in July 1917. The Eastern Star Hall at the corner of Hudson Avenue and Lark Street was used for worship.

Having decided to build its new home in the Woodlawn neighborhood, First Congregational enlisted the services of the notable Albany architecture firm, Fuller & Robinson with William Sayles & Son serving as the contractor. The selection of Fuller’s high-profile firm was a great boost to the visibility of this project, however the church’s connection to Fuller goes back to the 19th century.  In the late 1800s when Fuller was just beginning to make a name for himself, Albert Fuller and his wife, Sarah Shaw, were members of First Congregational Church. When the congregation later sought an architect who would know their needs, Fuller seemed to be the perfect choice. According to a letter in our archives, Albert Fuller later donated a portion of his commission for this project back to the church as a "personal gift" to the congregation. 

Fuller’s original design for the new church site called for two buildings – the church itself and an attached “parish house.” However, once the United States entered World War I on April 16th 1917, the cost for building materials dramatically increased. Church leaders needed to choose between (a) a smaller church with a parish house, or (b) the fully realized church but without the parish house. The congregation agreed a the fully realized church was needed to meet the “growing needs of the future in an adequate, modern way.”  Meanwhile, the Parish House would be put on hold to “await the time of future financial ability.”

On November 25th 1917, the church cornerstone was laid with great ceremony which included the hymn “How Firm a Foundation.” Architectural renderings were unveiled to the public and an article in the Albany Argus noted that “the architectural design is Colonial, a type associated with Congregational history from the beginning and familiar to all New Englanders. The main characteristics of the type are the simple rectangular outline, the pillared portico in front, with the bell-tower rising from it in the center... there will be no other church building in Albany of this particular type."  The interior would have a large sanctuary and a spacious basement that would house the Sunday School, kitchen, and bowling alley for recreational use.  

In November 24th 1918, the “lower auditorium” social hall in the basement was completed and First Congregational held its first worship in this new location.  

By April 1919, the church was completed. In a weeklong ceremony starting on April 20th, the building was dedicated as the “Ray Palmer Memorial” in honor of its first pastor. Reporters heralded the church as one of the finest examples of New England architecture in the region. Inside, the spacious sanctuary was described as the largest indoor expanse of space created without the assistance of supporting columns in the middle or sides. The sanctuary also featured gifts and donations including:

• The organ, installed by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Connecticut, was given as a memorial to Dr. James McNaughton and his wife, Caroline, by their daughter, Mrs. David A. Thompson. Tower chimes would later be donated by Miss Grace A. Moore in memory of her mother and father, Dr. and Mrs. Charles H. Moore on October 10th 1948.
• The Communion Table and Chairs were given by Mrs. Edith Palmer Foote of Andover Mass, in memory of her grandfather, Dr. Ray Palmer.
  
• The 1919 Pulpit Bible was given by Dr. Charles H. Moore “for the worship of God and in loving memory of his parents, Dr. Levi Moore and Georgenia Todd Moore.”
  

Additionally, two items were reinstalled from the church’s previous worship spaces:

• The baptismal font was given by Mrs. Ellen Tenny in memory of her husband Professor Jonathan Tenny, educator and author of “Bi-Centennial History of Albany.” The font was originally dedicated on November 18th 1906. At that time, the Tenny’s granddaughter and Doris Hagar, daughter of the minister, were baptized. The font was removed from the Eagle and Beaver street location and placed at the front of the new sanctuary. 
• The church bell, dating to the late 1800s, had been salvaged from the first downtown church. The bell was from the Meneely Bell Foundry of Troy and was so important to the congregation that the bell tower was redesigned to accommodate this larger bell. The bell continues to ring every Sunday morning.  
  

First Congregational also hosted a number of youth groups including the Pilgrim Fellowship (for Junior and High School aged children) and the Scrooby Club, “an organization for older young people” as well as Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts troops. This was in addition to an expanded Sunday School program divided into beginner, primary, junior and senior level. Children and young adults were also invited to sing in the senior and junior choirs of the church.

At a time when women had just been given the right to vote, the church was already hosting programs for women and families. The “Ray Palmer Guild” was organized in 1928 as a fellowship for “business and professional women.” The church also hosted the Women’s Association and the Mother’s Club. A Couples’ Club for young married couples of the church was also hosted monthly.

Also interesting to note was that the church participated in a bowling league with other churches. Known as the “Sunday School Athletic League of Albany, NY,” First Congregational Church competed with church-sponsored teams from First Methodist, Park United Presbyterian, Protestant Evangelical, Calvary Methodist Episcopal, Hope Baptist and several other churches in the Albany area, all reflecting a wide range of Protestant denominations.

On November 14th 1928, the Rev. Richard O. Ficken was called to be pastor of the church. Under Rev. Ficken’s leadership, the congregation observed the 85th anniversary of the church in 1935 with services that included: 

• A sermon delivered by the Rev. Charles H. Hagar, former pastor;
• The historical drama “The Separatists” presented by the Church School;
• The dedication of a second stained-glass window, given by Frank McClure and his family in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Harry McClure. The first window had been given by Frank McClure and his family during the 75th anniversary celebrations
  

First Congregational Church continued to be at the forefront of religious life in Albany during the 1930s and 1940s. In January 1939, the church hosted a panel discussion with representatives from local church organizations on the topic of “being an effective church member.” World Friendship dinners were also introduced to encourage cooperation between the denominations.

In 1941, the Rev. Lee Fletcher became pastor of First Congregational. Under Rev. Fletcher’s guidance, First Congregational remained committed to active involvement in local and regional religious discussion. Rev. Fletcher served as President of the Albany Torch Club (1946-1947); President of the Albany Ministers Association (1948-1949); and Moderator of the New York Congregational Christian Conference (1949). Rev. Fletcher was also a longtime member of the Board of Directors of New York Congregational Christian Conference and member of the Board of Directors of The Federation of Churches of Albany and Vicinity. He was also co-author of a book of daily devotions written for men in the services during the war. His sermon “The Roots of the Tree” was included in the book “Sermons of Goodwill” published by The Churchmen in its “Sermon of the Week” project. Each sermon was broadcast over a nationwide hookup and each writer given a citation.

The Rev. Lloyd R. Stamp was installed as pastor of First Congregational Church in 1955 and the success of the church attracted interest of the First Christian Church (also known as the “Second Congregational Church”). After initial discussions, it was agreed that the congregational of the First Christian Church would be inducted as members of First Congregational, and the Christian Church building sold. 

In 1959, the Rev. William R. Hampton was called as pastor. With the combined membership of First Congregational and First Christian Church members, the need for additional space soon became evident. However, the increased membership and financial standing now allowed First Congregational to revisit Fuller’s original plans for an Education Wing (referred to in 1917 plans as the “Parish House”).

In celebration of its 110th anniversary, First Congregational Church broke ground for a new Christian Education Building on Palm Sunday, April 10th 1960.  While the original Fuller and Robinson plans for the building called for a Colonial Revival style similar to the church (with a broad hipped roof and columns to mimic the church’s entry portico), the proposal offered by architect Charles A. Schade was a contemporary Modern design. Schade was a well-known Albany architect and had already designed several local churches. Schade’s design featured simple lines to harmonize with the existing building and was designed to have minimal impact on the physical structure of the original church building.

The addition would bring 11 new Sunday School classrooms, a nursery, a women’s lounge, and a choir room. Additionally, a new heating and lighting system would be created and the basement would be remodeled with an updated kitchen.

On Palm Sunday, March 26th 1961, church school pupils and teachers marched into their new classrooms. A Jubilee Dinner on April 20th 1961 featured the Rev. Lee Feltcher, former pastor, and other dignitaries in attendance. A formal service of dedication for the Christian Education Building and re-dedication of the church was held on Sunday, April 23rd 1961.

By 1975, the church mortgage had been completely paid off and a "Mortgage Burning Ceremony" was held on Palm Sunday, March 23rd 1975 under the direction of the Rev. William R. Hampton and Mr. Leo Maynard. Ashes from that ceremony are contained within the church archives.

On May 1st 1976, the church celebrated its 125th anniversary with a banquet and updated pageant (originally written by Rev. Fletcher). An Anniversary booklet was also published to include archival photographs, a written history, and pictures of church activities and members. 

In 1986, First Congregational Church celebrated its 136th anniversary and in 2000 celebrated its Sesquicentennial with a large dinner in the social hall. Past and present friends and members of the church were invited as was Rev. Hampton with his wife, Elizabeth. It was during the 2000 celebrations that the former Women’s Lounge was updated, refurbished, and rededicated as Hampton Lounge in honor of Rev. Hampton and his long dedication to the life of the congregation.