Emmanuel Baptist Church
275 State St. Albany, NY 12210
(518) 465-5161
History of Emmanuel Baptist Church
Emmanuel Baptist Church has a deep and rich history throughout its many years in the city of Albany. Emmanuel began in 1810, then known as the Particular Baptist Church. Reaching membership of 327 in 1834, the congregation outgrew a theater where they had been worshipping, so they built a new place of worship, called the Pearl Street Baptist Church. The Pearl Street Church prospered and grew and by 1866 it had outgrown its pews. A new and larger church building was needed, closer to where people lived and away from the expanding commercial area on Pearl Street. The site at 276 State Street was secured in 1869 and a new edifice erected. At the dedication, held in February 1871, the present name Emmanuel was adopted. This has been the congregation’s home ever since.
Over the years many pastors have led the church, each bringing their talents and skills to lead the church forward. Through many ups and downs, due to wars and depressions, Emmanuel has continued to preach and bring the message of God to the people of Albany. Ministries of previous pastors continue to shape Emmanuel today. In 1968 the Reverend Dr. Ralph Elliott, created a cooperative ministry with nearby Westminster Presbyterian, First Presbyterian, and Trinity Methodist. These Capital Hill congregations became known as the FOCUS Churches. FOCUS ministers to the poor with food pantry and breakfast programs. In 1974 the Reverend Dr. Keith Russell guided Emmanuel in changing the governance structure which affirmed participation by youth and members of minority cultures. Reverend Russell encouraged community use of the church facilities. In the late 1990's, The Reverend Dr. Roy Donkin led Emmanuel to become a Welcoming and Affirming congregation.
Since its inception, Emmanuel has supported missions by seeding new churches and sending support and prayers to overseas ministries. For many years a Chinese congregation and Sunday School was housed in the building. More recently Emmanuel has offered a home to Metropolitan Community Church which worships in the afternoons in the sanctuary. Over the past ten years or so, youth and adult members have traveled this country and abroad to help others and proclaim the gospel. Strong support of the New York State Baptist camping has also come about in recent years and Emmanuel continues to send support, prayers, staff, and campers to Pathfinder Lodge and Camp Vick.
