The Albany Rural Cemetery was organized in 1841, as a direct result of a sermon by Rev. Bartholomew T. Welch, D.D., pastor of the Pearl Street Baptist Church in Albany. In his sermon, Rev. Dr. Welch pointed out that most of the small church yard cemeteries in the City of Albany would soon be full, and he encouraged the development of a "rural" cemetery, as had become popular throughout Europe. Heeding to Rev. Dr. Welch's remarks, the Albany Cemetery Association was formed, with Rev. Welch elected as its first president.