CRTC is a unique, ecumenical non-profit organization which originated between four mainline protestant denominations which have an agreement to support each other’s ministries including the sharing of ministers and resources, called the Formula of Agreement (FOA). When the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (PC (USA)), Reformed Church in American (RCA), and United Church of Christ (UCC) denominations signed the agreement, the ministers and seminaries in this area met to discuss how they could be more supportive of each other. The overwhelming answer was the shared need of some sort of local theological education.

The first conversations took place in the early fall of 1999 at the offices of the Regional Synod of Albany, RCA, when judicatory and seminary representatives began exploring the possibilities for Theological Education in the Albany-Schenectady area. Conversations continued throughout the year 2000. The primary purpose of the Theological Center in the Albany area would be to offer continuing education courses for ministers and theological training for laity. By the fall of 2000, the invitation was extended to involve some additional people to begin to flesh out a skeleton that had been developed. Each denomination was asked to invite three persons and each seminary one person to represent them at a meeting on November 13, 2000. By Spring 2001, the proposal for CAPITAL REGION THEOLOGICAL CENTER had been presented to the four Formula of Agreement denominational groups of the Capital Region and all four groups agreed to support it.

By Fall 2001, the decision was made to hire a part-time coordinator. The inaugural CRTC event Why Did This Happen? took place on November 6, 2001 in response to 9/11, and was held at the Nott at Union College with 350 people in attendance. Biblical scholar Walter Wink and Islamic Theologian Farid Esack, both from Auburn Theological Seminary, and local Rabbi Matthew Cutler were the conveners. Also in the Fall of 2001, a Siena College representative was invited to sit on the CRTC board and the decision was made to begin proceeding to file papers for incorporation.

In Spring 2002 the first CRTC course, The Caring Church, was attended by 14 students and taught by the Rev. Dr. David Olsen. The course was held at Siena College in April and May. The Summer 2002 semester offered the second course, Old Testament Survey, which was attended by 11 students and taught by Dr. Robert Robinson of the The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. This course was held at the New Covenant Presbyterian Church in July.

During the March 18, 2002 meeting, the Articles of Incorporation were signed by Judicatory representatives and Dr. Charles Maxfield was hired as part-time coordinator. The Lilly Foundation Grant information was received and considered. The next month the organizational By-laws were voted upon. During the months of May, June and July 2002, the Lilly Grant application was completed and mailed, and the Articles of Incorporation were accepted by the state. The 501©(3) application was completed and arrangements were made for part-time office space and secretarial time with the New York State Community of Churches for CRTC.

By the October 21, 2002 meeting, CRTC learned that it was the recipient of a substantial Lilly Grant. The By-laws were adopted at this meeting. At the December 16, 2002 meeting, the slate of directors submitted by the four Formula of Agreement denominations was affirmed and, thus, the Board of Directors of the Capital Region Theological Center was established with a slate of officers. A survey of pastors was distributed to the churches during January through March of 2003, and the Executive Director position was advertised. The implementation of the Lilly Grant was postponed until April 1, 2003, when an executive director would be on board. Mary Lou Hammer was hired as Executive Director to be effective April 1, 2003.

During the spring of 2003, CRTC began to utilize Siena’s Religious Education website to advertise classes and events. By June 2003, the 501©(3) status and New York State Tax Exempt status were granted. A new office location was established at St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church in Albany. Discussions with Samaritan Counseling Center to establish a collaborative effort to produce and promote clergy training also took place over the summer. The first Annual Meeting and Open House was held on September 22, 2003.