Use Our Building
Thank you for your interest in using the facilities at the First Presbyterian Church of Albany (First Pres). We welcome community groups and individuals whose goals align with our mission to enhance the well-being of our community. Our available spaces include a large sanctuary, event spaces, meeting rooms, and a kitchen, all of which can be rented for both long-term and short-term needs. Examples include:
- Special events such as concerts, baby showers, corporate retreats, and nonprofit offices.
- Community groups renting rooms monthly for various support groups.
- Teachers renting space to give workshops.
- Organizations holding meetings they can’t accommodate in their own space.
Have an idea? Let’s talk about it! Fill out an online Space Sharing Request Form.
First Pres Guidelines for Space Sharing and FAQs
To ensure we can accommodate both Church programs and community needs, our usage policy has been established by the Session, our church governing board. Please carefully review this policy, and our frequently asked questions (FAQs) listed below.
To use our building, please get approval and schedule in advance through the church office. Simply fill out a Space Sharing Request form and submit it to our Office Administrator. You’ll hear back within a few days.
Once approved, any required security deposit and insurance paperwork will be due. Full payment is required one week before your event unless we’ve arranged otherwise.
Here are our current daily rates for space sharing. Non-profit organizations aligned with our mission may qualify for additional discounts, subject to FPC’s discretion. Other time periods (such as hourly blocks, weekly, monthly, etc.) are open for discussion.
Room | Non-profit rate | Business rate |
Sanctuary | $225 | $450 |
Assembly Hall | $150 | $300 |
Kitchen | $75 | $150 |
Rose Room | $100 | $200 |
Library | $75 | $150 |
Nursery | $100 | $200 |
Preschool Room | $75 | $150 |
Youth Room | $75 | $150 |
Art Room – Galilee Gallery | $100 | $200 |
Media Theatre – Jericho Theatre | $100 | $200 |
Classroom – Memory on the Mount | $75 | $150 |
Classroom – Tower of Scrabble | $100 | $200 |
Classroom w/Stage – Sinai Stage | $100 | $200 |
Lost Key | $100 | $200 |
PA usage | $150 | $250 |
Projection/Screen usage with AV Tech | $150+ | $250+ |
Security Deposit (if applicable) | $250 | $500 |
For weddings and funerals, contact Pastor Miriam, Pastor Glenn or the Office Administrator.
Please note that receptions ending after 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays cannot be accommodated due to Sunday service preparations.
Our facilities at the First Pres, except the basement, are accessible. An accessible ramp at the Willett St entrance provides access to the whole building. From the parking lot, an accessible entrance leads to an elevator serving all floors except the basement. We also have an accessible gender-neutral restroom.
Located in downtown Albany, we have a 16-space parking lot. During the day, 12 spaces are available. In the evening, these spaces are usually available for events, but there may be some limitations. There is also street parking, which is limited to 2 hours during the day but has no limits after 6 pm.
Yes—there is Wi-Fi capability throughout the building.
A certificate of insurance may be required for their event, naming First Presbyterian Church as an additional insured. If an event includes the services of a caterer, or other vendor, they too, must provide certificates of insurance.
To serve food and drinks, please get our permission first. Outside groups are not allowed to bring alcohol into our building.
First Pres offers projector and screen rentals for a fee. Additionally, we provide audio recording, video recording, and live streaming services. To use, Space Sharers must hire a First Pres AV Technician, unless alternative arrangements are made.