Parish History
of Holy Trinity Parish of Cohoes

On February 25, 1998, 324 years of combined history became one with the formation of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Cohoes, New York. In 1878, the Catholic population of Saint Bernard’s Parish living in the “Harmony Hill” section of Cohoes formed a new Parish under the Patronage of Saint Agnes. For 120 years the parish served this community, being a visible sign of the gospel and reaching out with the love and compassion of Jesus Christ to all who sought the consolation of the Word of God.

In 1886, the increasing Catholic population of the “Orchard” section of Cohoes petitioned the Diocese of Albany for the establishment of its own faith community, and Saint Patrick’s Parish became a reality. For nearly a century it provided for the spiritual and temporal needs of the faithful. A dwindling Catholic population brought about the merger of Saint Patrick’s with its sister Church of Saint Agnes.

In 1907 the growing French population in the “Hill” section sought to change its status as a mission church of Saint Joseph’s Parish to a separate parish under the patronage of Mary Mother of Mercy. The request was granted and Mater Misericordiae Parish (Saint Marie’s) was established. For ninety-one years the needs of the French-Canadian community and the changing ethnic neighborhood were served by the parish.

In 1995, the changing population and demographics of Cohoes, coupled with the increasing shortage of ordained clergy, brought about a three-year process of prayer, evaluation, listening and study which led to a proposal made to Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, Bishop of Albany, by the combined Pastoral Councils of Saint Marie’s and Saint Agnes/Saint Patrick’s Parishes: Close the three parishes and allow them to merge into one new entity. After consultation and prayer, Bishop Hubbard granted the request. On February 22, 1998, the parishes of Saint Marie’s and Saint Agnes/Saint Patrick’s emerged. Following a four-month process of input from all parishioners, Bishop Hubbard approved our choice of the “Church of the Holy Trinity” as the name of our new community.

Drawing on 324 years of combined history, and recognizing the realities of the 21st century, we strive to honor our traditions; to remain rooted in the Gospel; and to call forth each member of this community of faith to respond honestly to our Baptismal call to follow the Lord through prayer and faithful service to our brothers and sisters.