The Church of Saint Vincent de Paul in Albany, New York

Today, I visited the Church of Saint Vincent de Paul in order to take some photos. The church has been extensively remodeled since I was last here.

Exterior of the Church of Saint Vincent de Paul in Albany New York - 2007

The Exterior of the Church of Saint Vincent de Paul

The Church of Saint Vincent de Paul has been remodeled several times in the past. The exterior of the existing building is essentially the same as it was in 1957 was the church was significantly enlarged.

Stained Glass Window of the Poor Widow in the Church of Saint Vincent de Paul

Stained Glass Depiction of “The Poor Widow”

One of many stained glass windows in the church, this scene depicts a scene from the Gospel of St. Luke, as described in the window itself: “This poor widow hath cast in more than they all” St. Luke XXI, 3. The window is dedicated “To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Rev. John J. McDonald”.

Facing the Entrance of the Church of Saint Vincent de Paul in Albany New York - 2007

Church Interior, Facing the Entrance

From 1957-1985, a choir loft with an organ graced the space above the entrance doors. In the remodeled church, the choir loft was removed, and the organ relocated to the altar area.

Altar of the Church of Saint Vincent de Paul in Albany New York - 2007

Church Interior, Facing the Altar

In the remodeled church, the pews were removed and replaced with chairs that surround the altar on three sides. The existing worship space was cut in half from the space present from 1957-1985 and approximates the worship space in the church in 1908, when the existing building was dedicated.

Before I left the church, I was presented with two books: a jubilee book to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the church, and a book celebrating the first 65 years of the Vincential Institute, two volumes I was very happy to receive.

Copyright © 2007 by Stephen J. Danko

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