Capital of New York State, originally named Fort Orange, founded by Walloon settlers, 1623. In its earliest period the missions included in its territory were under the tutelage of Quebec and were ministered to by the Jesuits, among them Blessed Isaac Jogues. Under the Dutch regime there were few Catholic inhabitants but after its transfer to Great Britain their number was greatly augmented. In 1667 Catholics from the Netherlands settled there and were ministered to by the Franciscan, Father Hennepin. The city became the charge of John Carroll, Bishop of Baltimore, in 1790, and in 1797 Saint Mary's church, the first church in the city and diocese, was begun and the corner-stone laid by Thomas Barry, a trustee. The first meeting to discuss the plans was held in the home of James Cassidy, grandfather of William Cassidy, editor of the "Albany Argus." It became the episcopal residence for the Diocese of Albany, 1847, and its first bishop, John McCloskey, utilized the old Saint Mary's as a cathedral. A new cathedral, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, was begun and dedicated by Archbishop Hughes, November 21, 1852. Bishop McCloskey erected other churches to accommodate the increase in immigration which had been brought about by the construction of the Erie Canal, and, to provide for Catholic education, installed the Religious of the Sacred Heart. His successor Bishop John J. Conroy, erected Saint Joseph's church, established a home for the aged in care of the Little Sisters of the Poor, and orphanages under the direction of the Sisters of Charity and the Christian Brothers. He also contributed greatly to the advancement of Catholic education. During the episcopacy of Bishop Francis McNeirny, the cathedral was enlarged and an apse, new sacristies, and a tower were added. The establishment of several new churches and schools followed rapidly and in 1929 numbered 20,16 respectively. Charitable institutions in the city include Saint Peter's Hospital, in charge of the Sisters of Mercy, House of the Good Shepherd, for delinquent females and for the educating and reforming of wayward children, Saint Vincent's Female Orphan Asylum under the supervision of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, who also have under their care a maternity hospital and infant home, and two day nurseries in care of the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Educational institutions in addition to parochial schools include the College of Saint Rose conducted by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, and the Christian Brothers Academy.

Bibliography Information
Entry for 'Albany'. 1910 New Catholic Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ncd/a/albany.html. 1910.

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1910 New Catholic Dictionary

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