SACC History

The corner of Linden Blvd. and Marne Place in St. Albans, New York, exemplifies what Christians can accomplish through unity and harmony. The striking and beautiful St. Albans Congregational Church, connected via passageway to the contemporary and imposing Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center, was built over several years. 

Rev. Robert Ross Johnson, the founding pastor and a Spokane, Washington native, held a Master of Divinity from Colgate-Rochester and served as the minister of the Nazarene Congregational Church in Brooklyn. In early summer 1953, Mrs. Evelyn Jackson, who had recently moved to St. Albans with her family, mentioned that her children and others in the neighborhood lacked access to Sunday School. This conversation sparked an idea that eventually led to the creation of the monument and model at the corner of Linden Blvd. and Marne Pl., known as the St. Albans Congregational Church or "The Triangle Church." 

In the beginning, meetings were held where sometimes as few as ten interested individuals. However, Robert Ross Johnson possessed a vision and unwavering dedication. When the New York City Congregational Church Association and the Board of Home Missions recognized the necessity for a community-oriented fellowship, the Addisleigh Park district was identified as the most suitable site for establishing a new Congregational Church. This modest yet committed group of founders transformed the vision into reality. 
 

In 1954, worship services were conducted at the Merrick Community Center, and in 1955, at the Linden Theater for a duration exceeding two years. The church was officially incorporated in 1956 with a membership totaling 120 individuals. The Church School comprised 94 children, alongside a choir, a youth program, and scout troops. The groundbreaking ceremony for the church building took place in 1958, and the construction was finalized in 1959. 

Under the leadership of its activist pastor, the church gained significant visibility during the Civil Rights struggles of the tumultuous 1960s and served as a hub for education and dissemination of information on the pertinent issues. Local and national civil rights leaders frequently addressed the congregation; members actively participated in protests, demonstrations, and marches. Parishioners traveled collectively by bus caravan to the historic March on Washington in August 1963.

During this time, the church's undercroft served as a community hub used by various organizations such as the Girl and Boy Scouts, the Addisleigh Park Civic Organization, Head Start Programs, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, tutorial programs, Sunday Black Cultural Programs, and more. In 1966, the Head Start Program and other groups frequently met or held events in this limited space. Soon, discussions about building a multi-purpose facility next to the church gained momentum. This project, led by Ruby Stroman and Margaret Griffin, secured funding and permitted construction to begin. The Family Life Center opened in March 1987. This modern, multi-million dollar expansion provided a range of services for youth and adults and included a large space for cultural, educational, civic, and social activities. 

By 1990, program services were significantly expanded, effective, and successful, predominantly fulfilling the church's vision and objective of "Service to God and Community." Upon Reverend Johnson's announcement in 1989 of his retirement scheduled for eighteen months later, a search committee was established, and the congregation voted on September 30, 1990, to appoint Reverend Henry T. Simmons as Senior Minister.

A native of High Point, North Carolina, he obtained his undergraduate degree from North Carolina Central University and his Master of Divinity Degree from Howard University. Reverend Simmons's extensive background, experience, remarkable energy, and effective leadership elevated the church to unprecedented levels. Renowned for his preaching and his dynamic, compelling sermons, the sanctuary consistently exceeded capacity at each worship service. To accommodate the congregation, a second Sunday morning worship service was instituted shortly after Reverend Simmons's arrival. His exemplary teaching significantly increased engagement, attendance, and dedication to adult Bible study. His "Nine Point Vision" for the church emphasized the necessity for additional space to support expanding ministries and programs. Consequently, the RRJ Family Life Center was expanded in 2003 to include a third floor. 

Reverend Simmons' vision has also contributed to the development of a burgeoning, faith-centered congregation, characterized by increased membership and expanded ministries dedicated to serving both congregation members and the wider community. Innovative initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing outreach and addressing church needs have been implemented through active ministries and groups, including the Enriching Our Elders Ministry and the Because We Care Food Pantry. Additionally, he inaugurated the Saturday Jazz Communion Vespers service, held monthly. 

Reverend Simmons announced his retirement in 2018 and delivered his final sermon as Senior Minister from St. Albans Congregational Church, UCC, on Sunday, April 28, 2019.

On July 14, 2019, an overwhelming majority of the congregation in attendance and via remote voting elected to call Reverend Eli Wilson, III, as the new Senior Minister.