St. Vincent De Paul Church

On Sunday, November 15, 1885, prayers were answered for Albany Catholics residing around upper Madison Avenue.  For the first time, they were able to attend Mass in their own church, a former Baptist Sunday school.  Soon they would have their own parish and would no longer be attached to the Cathedral.  St. Vincent’s official position was established on February 15, 1895, when it was incorporated according to state laws.   Bishop McNeirny had acquired the land where the present church is located in 1890 for $3000.  His successor, Bishop McQuid transferred the lot to St. Vincent’s in 1896, a year after its incorporation.   On August 15, 1904, construction of a new church for St. Vincent de Paul began, the cornerstone was laid on June 17, 1906 and the church was formally dedicated on November 1, 1908.  The ensuing years brought necessary renovations and improvements to the church building.  However a fire in 1980 prompted significant reassessment of all the parish properties in light of the needs of the parish.   After years of prayer, planning and extensive consultation the leadership reached the decision to remodel the church to meet the needs of the community.  The rededication took place on a bright, mild Sunday afternoon, September 29, 1985, almost 100 years to the day of the beginning of St. Vincent’s.  And then in 2014 after thirty years of usage, the church required significant repairs. The parish discerned it was time to arrange our worship space in a way that reflected our prayer.  (See Worship Space Enhancement) In 2006, Bishop Howard Hubbard initiated a pastoral planning process:  Called to BE Church.  This grassroots endeavor sought to respond to the reality of continuing population shifts and a decrease in the number of vocations.  Its goal was to determine what was necessary to assure that the Mission of Christ be continued, going forward.  2009 marked the beginning of closer linkage and shared resources with our neighboring parishes and a deepened affiliation with campus ministry at The College of St. Rose.   Leadership of St. Vincent de Paul Church: Rev. John J. Hanlon, 1st Pastor (1889-1902) Rev. Michael L. Walsh (1902-1913) Rev. William R. Charles (1913-1944) The Most Reverend Edward J. Maginn (1944-1972) Rev. Leo P. O’Brien (1972-2006) Sr. Joan Ann Byrne, SNJM, 1st Parish Life Director (2006-2007) Ms. Elizabeth Rowe-Manning (2007-2016)   Mrs. Elizabeth Simcoe (2016- Present)