Reformed Dutch Church of Rensselaer in Watervliet
Also known as: Component No. 19
Why it's listed
Built in 1847 by Henry Runkle for the Dutch Reformed Church, this frame church at 210 Old Loudon Road stands in the original hamlet of Latham, then part of Watervliet. A stone tablet above the door records its construction. The building follows the temple form favored in the Greek Revival style, with a pedimented gable roof on a finely crafted full entablature, corner pilasters, and a central entrance framed by pilasters and an entablature. A lunette decorates the tympanum, and a square bell tower holds the original bell. It represents the simpler, rural type of Greek Revival Protestant church and is the only surviving example of the style among the town's historic resources. The congregation used it until 1886, after which it served briefly as a feed store, meeting hall and chapel. The interior has been adapted to offices and keeps a patterned tin ceiling. A small concrete block rear addition from about 1946 does not contribute to its significance.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is a distinctive example of vernacular Greek Revival church architecture, with a low pedimented gable roof, a broad entablature on corner pilasters and a temple-like form. It is described as the only surviving Greek Revival church in the Colonie Multiple Resource Area. It represents the simpler, less ornamental rural type of frame Greek Revival Protestant church.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 85002745, listed October 3, 1985. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 210 Old Loudon Rd., Colonie |
|---|---|
| County | Albany County |
| Listed | October 3, 1985 |
| Reference number | 85002745 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architect / builder | Architect unknown; builder Henry H. Runkle |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Originally a church, now used as offices. Condition is listed as fair, with the interior adapted to office space and a tin ceiling retained. No threats are known. |
| Acreage | 0.5 |
| Coordinates | 42.74778, -73.75915 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
Religious properties are listed for their architectural or historical significance, not their religious use. Listing is honorary and does not restrict the congregation's use of the building. The federal rehabilitation credit is generally unavailable unless part of the building is income-producing; some state programmes and preservation grants do cover religious buildings. Federal funding or permits trigger Section 106 review.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 85002745.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7307508
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.