Sacred church sites welcoming visitors
Explore art, architecture of landmark houses of worship at open house
The New York Landmarks Conservancy’s annual Sacred Sites Open House takes place Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19, when visitors can explore the architecture, art and history of diverse houses of worship throughout New York.
Sacred Sites open house is a free event that gives visitors the chance to discover remarkable architecture as a “tourist in your own town.”
Participating congregations will showcase their buildings and community programs, according to the Landmarks Conservancy. This year’s theme is “Welcoming Our Neighbors,” as religious institutions continue to offer social service and cultural programs serving the community. Some sites will feature musical performances and guided tours.
The theme is timely, said Peg Breen, Landmarks Conservancy president. “We hope people will use this opportunity to visit various religious institutions to increase understanding and acceptance,” Breen said.
To date, congregations participating locally are:
• Joy of Troy Seventh-day Adventist, 600 3rd Ave., Troy, 1 to 2 p.m. May 18 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 19
• Emmanuel Church, 275 State St., Albany, noon to 3 p.m. May 19
• Christ Episcopal Church, 132 Duanesburg Churches Road, Duanesburg, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 19
• Bates Congregational Christian Church, 1 Bates Church Road, Preston Hollow, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. May 18 and May 19.
• Oak Hill United Methodist Church, 7900 New York 81, Oak Hill, Greene County, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 18
• Katsbaan Reformed Church, 1800 Old Kings Highway, Saugerties, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 18
For more information about the open houses, see www.nylandmarks .org.