Alberta L. Alston House
2022

Alberta Lois Alston (1906-1980) was a religious and community leader who made her home in the neighborhood of St. Albans. In 1977, she served as the first African American female moderator of the Presbytery of New York City.

Born on December 3, 1906, in Bergen County, New Jersey, Alston was a lifelong member of Zeta Phi Beta, a historically Black sorority founded in 1920 at Howard University. In addition to serving as a spokesperson for her sorority, she also held the position of Basileus, or chapter president, of the group’s Delta Beta Zeta Chapter in Hollis. She was the recipient of several community awards in recognition of her service to her local area.

Alston died on May 19, 1980, and is buried at Pinelawn Memorial Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York. The Alberta L. Alston House, a supportive affordable housing residence serving older New Yorkers, first opened in the fall of 1984 and was named in her honor. The facility is run by PSS (Presbyterian Senior Services) and is located at 52-09 99th Street in Corona.

Sources:

Death Notices, ALSTON–Alberta L.,” Daily News, May 21, 1980, via Newspapers.com, accessed June 13, 2025

FACES AND PLACES,” Daily News, November 13, 1977, via Newspapers.com, accessed June 13, 2025

Dick Ryan “Protestant Update,” Daily News, April 9, 1977, via Newspapers.com, accessed June 13, 2025

Zeta Has Come a Long Way in 58 Years,” Daily News, October 14, 1978, via Newspapers.com, accessed June 13, 2025

“Residences,” PSS website, accessed June 13, 2025