Cathedral of All Saints, Albany

Standing on Elk Street in central Albany, the Cathedral of All Saints is not just a church-it’s a bold, unfinished dream. Designed by Robert W. Gibson in the Gothic Revival style and built in the 1880s, this was the first Episcopal cathedral in the United States specifically constructed to serve as such, earning it the title "Pioneer Cathedral." It remains the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 after first being recognized as part of the Lafayette Park Historic District in 1970.

Despite its grand ambitions, the cathedral was never fully completed. The original plans envisioned a much larger complex, but construction stalled in the early 20th century. What remains is an impressive structure, albeit lacking its intended spires, due to the state government taking over the remaining land.

Architecturally, the cathedral follows a modified Greek cross layout, featuring Potsdam sandstone with brownstone trim. The interior is a Gothic masterpiece, with towering stone columns, intricate wood and stone carvings, and a striking polychrome reredos. A brass and iron rood screen separates the choir from the nave, which transitions from wooden floors to mosaics in the sanctuary and side chapels. The cathedral is best known for its stunning stained-glass windows, crafted by Clayton and Bell of London, LaFarge, and other master designers.

The Cathedral of All Saints is renowned for its music program, affiliated with the American Guild of Organists and the Royal School of Church Music in America. As an Anglo-Catholic house of worship, it integrates choir, organ, and traditional liturgical elements ("bells and smells") into its services.

The cathedral sits amid Albany’s historic and governmental heart, sharing its surroundings with the Neoclassical State Education Department Building, the New York State Capitol, and the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building. Despite being dwarfed by these modern neighbors, the Cathedral of All Saints remains a cultural and historical landmark, admired for its Gothic artistry and Anglo-Catholic liturgical traditions.