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Episcopal Diocese of Albany facts for kids

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This page is about the Episcopal diocese. For the Catholic diocese, see Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany.
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Diocese of Albany
Diœcesis Albanensis
Episcopal Diocese of Albany.png
Location
Country United States
Ecclesiastical province Province II
Statistics
Congregations 102 (2022)
Members 9,401 (2022)
Information
Denomination Episcopal Church
Established December 2, 1868
Cathedral Cathedral of All Saints
Language English, Spanish
Current leadership
Bishop Jeremiah Williamson
Map
Location of the Diocese of Albany
Location of the Diocese of Albany

The Episcopal Diocese of Albany is a special church area that is part of the Episcopal Church in the United States. It covers 19 counties in the northeastern part of New York state. This diocese was started in 1868. It was formed when the larger Episcopal Diocese of New York was divided.

History of the Diocese

The main office of the diocese in Albany
Cathedral of All Saints, the main church in Albany

The Church of England first came to Albany in 1674. A chaplain was sent to help the British soldiers there. In 1704, a group called the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel sent missionaries. They went to the Mohawk Valley, where the first Anglican church was built in 1711.

The oldest church in Albany, St. Peter's, was founded in 1708. Its ministry also reached Schenectady. By 1763, St. George's Church was built in Schenectady. In 1765, St. John's in Johnstown was the last colonial church started. Before the American Revolutionary War, many Anglican missions were growing. But the war caused big problems for the English church. For almost ten years after the war, it was disorganized and had no leaders.

After the war, the Church in New York began to get organized again. This happened when the Episcopal Diocese of New York was formed in 1785. This new diocese covered the entire state. By 1790, more missionary work began. This was helped by strong church leaders and active members. By 1810, 14 priests served 25 churches. Many of these churches were built with help from Trinity Parish in New York City.

In 1868, 19 counties in northeastern New York became the Diocese of Albany. Its first bishop was William Croswell Doane. He was chosen in 1869 by many priests and delegates. Bishop Doane had a big impact on the diocese. He organized it like English churches, with a main cathedral. He also started schools and hospitals, like St. Agnes School and The Child's Hospital.

Later, Daniel W. Herzog became the eighth bishop of Albany. During his time, the diocese bought land in Greenwich, New York. They created the Christ the King Center there. Bishop Herzog retired in 2007. He later left the Episcopal Church for a time. He then returned to the Episcopal Church in 2010. After that, he left again and joined another Anglican church group.

In 2011, Katharine Jefferts Schori, a top leader of the Episcopal Church, visited the diocese.

William H. Love became bishop of Albany in February 2007. He was known for his traditional beliefs. In 2020, Bishop Love was found to have gone against some church rules. This was because of his views on certain church blessings. He resigned from his position on February 1, 2021. After he left, four priests and four deacons also left the diocese. Michael G. Smith, a former bishop, helped lead the diocese while they looked for a new bishop.

The current bishop is Jeremiah Williamson. He is the tenth bishop of Albany. He became bishop on February 24, 2024.

Partner Dioceses Around the World

The Episcopal Diocese of Albany has special partnerships with other dioceses in different countries. These are called "companion dioceses." They work together and support each other.

  • The Diocese of Down and Dromore is in North East Ireland. It is part of the Church of Ireland. This diocese covers parts of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.
  • The Diocese of Maridi is located in South Sudan. It is part of the Episcopal Church of Sudan.
  • The Diocese of Northern Argentina is in northern Argentina. It is part of the Anglican Church of South America.

Historic Churches to Visit

The diocese has many old and important churches. Here are some of them:

  • All Saints Episcopal Church, Round Lake, built in 1892.
  • Christ Episcopal Church (Duanesburg, New York), built in 1793.
  • Church of the Good Shepherd (Cullen, New York), built in 1892.
  • Church of the Good Shepherd (Raquette Lake, New York), built in 1880.
  • Church of St. John the Evangelist (Hunter, New York), built in 1885.
  • Church of the Transfiguration (Blue Mountain Lake, New York), built in 1885.
  • Emmanuel Episcopal Church (Little Falls, New York), built in 1835.
  • St. Andrew's Episcopal Church (Albany, New York), built in 1931.
  • St. George’s Episcopal Church (Schenectady New York), built in 1735.
  • St. John's Church Complex (Delhi, New York), built in 1831.
  • St. John's Episcopal Church (Johnstown, New York), built in 1837.
  • St. Mark's Episcopal Church (Hoosick Falls, New York), built in 1860.
  • St. Mary's Episcopal Church (Springfield Center, New York), built in 1889.
  • St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Troy, New York), built in 1828.
  • St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Albany, New York), built in 1876.
  • St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (Schuylerville, New York), built in 1838.
  • Trinity Episcopal Church (Ashland, New York), built in 1879.
  • Trinity Episcopal Church-Fairfield, built in 1808.
  • Trinity Episcopal Church (Potsdam, New York), built in 1835.
  • Zion Episcopal Church Complex, built in 1800.

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See also

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