History

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Images Historic Dates The interior of St. Vincent’s before 1895. At its opening in 1885, illumination was by two eight-jet gas chandeliers. Note the framed Stations of the Cross, the familiar representations of the Blessed Virgin and the absence of a crucifix or cross. 1885: First Parish Church is dedicated. St. Vincent de Paul as it appeared before 1895 with much open space along Partridge Street. Later, the wood trim was painted a contrasting color and wood railings added to the steps. 1889: Statement from Bishop providing for a division between St. Patrick’s and the “newly erected mission of St. Vincent de Paul.” Rev. John J. Hanlon 1889-1902: Father Hanlon’s pastorate 1895: St. Vincent’s incorporated. Rev. Michael L. Walsh 1902-13: Father Walsh’s pastorate 1904: Groundbreaking for new church. The dome on St. Vincent’s existed from 1908 until 1956, but no available illustration shows it so clearly as this postcard printed in Germany about 1910. The octagonal dome rose approximately 60 feet from the church floor. 1908: Domed church dedicated. Rev. William R. Charles 1913-44: Father Charles’ pastorate   Stained glass windows paying tribute to the first three pastors have ornamented St. Vincent’s since 1957. They illustrate edifices with which the pastors were identified along with three saints who were influential in their lives: St. John Baptist Mary Vianney (1786-1859), the Cure of Ars, was a humble priest absorbed in caring for his people. St. Dominic (1170-1221), founder of the Order of Preachers, preached against heresy. St. Pius X (1835-1914) instructed about the values of frequent Communion). Vincentian Institute soon after it opened showing the trolley wires and tracks. The annunciator on the marquee flashed numbers in electric lights to summon drivers of vehicles to the entrance to pick up passengers ready to depart. 1917: Vincentian Institute opens 1925: First Vincentian Institute High School (VIHS) graduation The St. Vincent altar is appropriately decorated in glorious celebration of the Resurrection at High Mass on Easter Sunday 1936. 1934: Child Culture Division (CCD) opens in the former Hawley greenhouses 1939: The church portico was changed in 1939 with the construction of stone vestibules. The Most Reverend Edward J. Maginn   1944-1972: Rev. Maginn’s pastorate       The altar of the enlarged edifice in 1957 displayed a color scheme of brown and green tones with gold trim. The gold-leaf designs on the altar sides represented two of Bishop Maginn’s favorite biblical passages. The one on the left was from Psalms: 109-4 and on the right side, from Luke: 24-35. 1950: Father Charles Memorial opens (new one-story classroom building) 1957: Enlarged church dedicated; Bishop Maginn consecrated Auxiliary Bishop Rev. Leo P. O’Brien 1972-present: Rev. O’Brien’s pastorate       Church of St. Vincent de Paul today 1977: Vincentian Institute High School closes 1980: Church fire 1985: CCD closes; Rededication of the Church of St. Vincent de Paul Text and pictures from: Tyrrell, William G. A Century of Spiritual Service: Church of St. Vincent de Paul. Albany: Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 1985. Picture of the Church today, courtesy of M. B. Bobish