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Albia is fortunate to be the site of three active churches,
an excellent elementary school and a dynamic community
center.
The history of each demonstrates a strong commitment
to serve the greater good of the neighborhood. The churches,
originally established as mission churches, fulfill
their primary mission to be the sign of God's presence
in the community, as well as contributing collectively
in support of each other and the community.
Rev. Peter Kelly is the pastor of the Pawling Avenue
United Methodist Church, located at 520 Pawling Ave.,
easily identified by the prominent "Welcome"
sign over the main entrance. The church was established
at a meeting house in 1827 at 701 Pawling. Rev. John
Tackaberry was the first to preach there. In 1900 Rev.
Philip Goettel accompanied his congregation as they
walked from 701 Pawling to a sandblown lot on the corner
of Pawling and Woodlawn Court which would serve as the
site for a new church eventually built in 1903.
A major reconstruction of the interior was completed
in 1957. Carl Fryer recalls that when two properties
were willed to the trustees a number of years ago they
decided to appoint a "house agent" (presently
Harry Taylor) to administer the four apartments thus
providing low-income housing for tenants affiliated
with the congregation.
The Third Presbyterian Church was formed in 1830 when
48 members were voluntarily dismissed from Troy's First
Presbyterian to form a new congregation in rural Albia.
Rev. Ebenezer Seymour was the first pastor of the church
located on the north side of what was then Washington
Street (Pawling) in Albia. The wooden structure burned
on March 24, 1853 and was replaced by a brick church
built at 705 Pawling.
The congregation remained on Pawling until 1965 when
they moved to their present site at 113 Winter St. The
original organ and pews from the old church were reinstalled
in the new church. Rev. Morgan Post, former pastor and
faithful servant for more than 45 years played a significant
role in the history of the church. Rev. John McAuley
is the current pastor.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church was first established in
1907 at Pawling and Ford by Rev. John Hyland, pastor
of St. Francis deSales Church. In 1913, Rev. Daniel
Mahoney was assigned as first pastor for the new parish.
Construction for the present church building and school
began in 1922 a few blocks west of the first church.
Originally the building was to serve only as a school,
with plans to construct a church nearby. The school
is administered by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
In 1959 a new addition to the school, complete with
eight classrooms, a kitchen and cafeteria, opened. Rev.
James Vaughan, pastor for 27 years, expanded the laity's
role in the church and established the school as one
of the premier parochial schools in the Albany Diocese.
Jack Madden recalls his 20 years as an active member
of the Sacred Heart Bazaar Committee working alongside
his wife Sophie. The annual bazaar raised tens of thousands
of dollars for the parish and its elementary school
and provided a popular family centered affair for the
community. The present pastor is Rev. Gary Mecure.
George Yamin documented the history of Sacred Heart
Parish and noted that more than 20 years before the
Ecumenical movement began, Rev. Edward Reilly, pastor
from 1936 to 1952, was practicing its preachments.
"The day after he was assigned to Sacred Heart,
he made personal visits to the Protestant ministers
then serving in the east side churches." This spirit
of ecumenism continued with the formation of the East
Side Laity and Clergy Association (consisting of members
of Albia churches and their pastors) and support of
the three churches for Troy Area United Ministries (TAUM)
as an instrument for building mutual respect and understanding
among various religious denominations.
The most prominent collaboration centered on the needs
of the youngsters of Albia and east side neighborhoods
which led to the formation of the East Side Neighborhood
Recreation Center in 1968. Funds were raised by car
washes, church collections and personal and business
solicitations. The center, located at Sacred Heart School,
was a total community project, designed and supported
for the neighborhood and the surrounding area, offering
arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor recreation, bus
trips, shows and baseball games.
When the former Hope Steamer Fire Engine building at
596 Pawling was made available to the neighborhood,
the center's programs shifted to the historic brick
building following its major rehabilitation in 1977.
Under the direction of Phyllis Sandow, the center continues
to offer programs for the community including a before-
and afterschool child care program for 40 youngsters
from kindergarten through fifth grade, a popular Traveling
Summer Day Camp service as well as a pre-K program and
food pantry at the Methodist Church. The food pantry
is supported by neighborhood churches and residents.
Hope 7 is also the site of voter registration, an election
polling place, a location for neighborhood meetings
and other community services.
The quality of life in the Albia neighborhood is greatly
enhanced by the presence of these institutions.
Authored by Mike Esposito, neighborhood activist, with
the assistance of members of the congregations, Rev.
Kelly, Sr. Rita and Phyllis Sandow and her staff.
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