In a time when many people feel isolated, overwhelmed, or disconnected, Albany UU offers a place to connect, reflect, grow, and belong.

Our Unitarian Universalist congregation is a multigenerational community where people of all ages come together to learn, create, care for one another, and make a difference in the world. Located in New York’s capital region, we have a proud history of service and progressive advocacy, including more than 40 years of public commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and justice.

People come to Albany UU for many reasons. Some are searching for spiritual exploration without judgment. Some are looking for deeper community and meaningful friendships. Some want opportunities to serve others and work for justice alongside people who share their values. Others simply want a place where they can be fully themselves.

Some simply want a place where they can be fully themselves.

What You’ll Find Here

At Albany UU, you’ll find inspiring worship, music, learning opportunities, programming for children and youth, and intentional multigenerational community. You’ll find people who care deeply about each other, our neighbors, and the wider world.

Belonging

You Are Welcome Here

Whoever you are, whatever is going on in your life, you are welcome here. We are white and People of Color. We are straight and LGBTQ+. We are diverse in age, ability, financial circumstance, family structure, and background.

Some of us have been part of faith communities our whole lives. Others are recovering from painful religious experiences or exploring spirituality for the first time. We come together to build friendships, celebrate milestones, raise children, sing, learn, volunteer, grieve, laugh, organize for justice, and grow together.

Come as you are. We’d love to meet you.

What We Believe

As Unitarian Universalists, we are people of many spiritual paths and perspectives. Some of us believe in God. Some do not. Some are unsure. Others follow spiritual paths where that question is not central. Rather than asking everyone to believe the same thing, we are united by shared values, relationships rooted in honesty and kindness, and a commitment to learning, compassion, justice, and care for one another.

Whether you are deeply rooted in a faith tradition, healing from one, or exploring spirituality for the first time, there is a place for you here.

Our History

The Building of Albany UU

1842

The Albany Unitarian Society formed. Unitarian and Universalist communities have shaped religious life in Albany for more than 175 years.

1844

The congregation purchased a church building on Division Street and called its first minister, Rev. Henry F. Harrington.

1869

The congregation sold that building to retire debt and worshiped in several locations throughout Albany for a number of years.

1895

Rev. Dr. William Milton Brundage led the revival of the Unitarian congregation.

1899

The congregation purchased the former United Presbyterian Church on Lancaster Street near Eagle Street.

1905

A fire severely damaged the building. Neighboring congregations, including Temple Beth Emeth, shared their spaces until repairs could be completed.

1925

The congregation built its current church home at the corner of Washington Avenue and Robin Street.

1962

An education and administrative wing was added.

2007

The building expanded again with additional classrooms and Community Hall.

Albany UU also acknowledges that our congregation gathers on the ancestral homelands of the Mohican people. Today, their community resides in Wisconsin as the Stockbridge-Munsee Community. We honor their ancestors past and present and commit ourselves to building a more just, inclusive, and equitable future.

Our History

Justice & Service

1934

Frances Vosburgh, an active member of the congregation, established Albany’s first birth control clinic and helped found Planned Parenthood in Albany.

1960s

Rev. Nick Cardell and congregation members participated in protests against the Albany political machine and the Vietnam War.

1970

Unitarian organizers in the Committee for Progressive Legislation helped secure the legalization of abortion in New York State.

1984 / 2018

Albany UU declared itself a sanctuary congregation for Central American refugees. In 2018, the congregation renewed that commitment in support of immigrants and asylum seekers.

2004

Rev. Sam Trumbore officiated the first same-sex weddings in Albany, years before New York passed marriage equality legislation.

2016

Congregation members built a new playground for Sheridan Preparatory Academy and continue to support the school through volunteer partnerships and community engagement.

You Are Welcome Here. Come See for Yourself.

There is always a warm welcome at Albany UU. We invite you to join us.

Plan Your Visit