Restoring a Landmark: AJS Masonry Preserves Emanuel Baptist Church in Albany, NY

For over 135 years, Emanuel Baptist Church has stood as a spiritual and architectural landmark in Albany, NY. When time and the elements began to take their toll on the church’s historic brick and stone exterior, the congregation turned to AJS Masonry, Inc. — a trusted contractor with deep experience in historic masonry restoration.

Working directly for the church, AJS was contracted to perform a comprehensive scope of masonry and structural repairs designed to protect and preserve the building for generations to come. Key elements of the project included:

• Roof repairs to prevent ongoing water intrusion

• Repointing of the bell tower and exterior masonry elevations using historically appropriate materials

• Brick and stone patching and replacement to address areas of severe weathering and erosion

• Foundation drainage improvements to mitigate moisture issues and prevent future structural damage

Restoring a 135-year-old structure requires more than craftsmanship — it demands care, respect, and a clear understanding of traditional building methods. AJS crews worked closely with church leadership to ensure that every repair aligned with the building’s original architecture while meeting modern performance standards.

This project adds to AJS Masonry’s growing portfolio of historic church restoration and landmarked building preservation throughout Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and the greater Capital Region. Whether working on a cathedral, chapel, or civic building, AJS brings the same commitment to excellence and legacy-minded craftsmanship to every job.