160519 Sacred Sites 1
James Neiss/staff photographer
Niagara Falls, NY - Not only is the historic Holy Trinity Church participating in the "Sacred Sites Open Houses Weekend," they are celebrating their designation as A National Landmark.
Press Release:
Western New York Congregations Open Doors to the Community During New York Landmarks Conservancy “Sacred Sites Open House Weekend” (May 21 & 22)
Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Rochester, Brockport and Kenmore Sites to Participate in Statewide Event
Western New York State’s magnificent historic churches and synagogues will participate in the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s sixth annual Sacred Sites Open House Weekend, May 21 & 22, 2016, when they will open their doors to New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore their extraordinary religious art and architecture.
New Yorkers travel the globe to experience beautiful art, architecture, and history. During The New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Open House Weekend (May 21 & 22, 2016), New York’s world-class houses of worship offer this experience at your doorstep.
The Landmarks Conservancy’s sixth annual “Sacred Sites Open House Weekend” is when religious institutions throughout New York open their doors to the public, giving visitors a glimpse inside many of New York’s remarkable churches and synagogues and an opportunity to view the artistic treasures of many faiths, styles, and periods. Over 40 sites in New York City and over 120 statewide will participate in the weekend. Congregations will also showcase the cultural and social service programs they provide the wider community with special tours, concerts, food fairs and other events.
“Many of New York’s magnificent houses of worship have served generations and continue to anchor communities and all too often, they are seen only by their members,” said Peg Breen, President of The New York Landmarks Conservancy. “The Sacred Sites Open House Weekend allows everyone to enjoy the architecture, art, and history of these remarkable structures.”
This year’s Open House weekend celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites program, the only statewide program in the country providing financial and technical assistance for the restoration of culturally significant religious properties. Since 1986, the program has awarded 1,350 grants totaling over $9.3 million to more than 750 congregations regardless of denomination throughout New York State.
Western New York State congregations participating in the Open House Weekend to date include:
Buffalo
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Blessed Trinity Catholic Church: 317 Leroy Avenue, May 21, 2:00-4:00pm & May 22, 12:00-2:00pm
There are three distinguishing features of Blessed Trinity Church: its handmade Harvard bricks in unique configurations; the use of terra cotta for both artistic and structural purposes; and the display of more than 2,000 symbols through the interior and exterior of the church. Almost all features reflect a genuine 12th Century Lombard Romanesque style of architecture.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Buffalo Religious Arts Center, formerly St. Francis Xavier Church: 157 East Street, May 21, 11:00am – 3:00PM
St. Francis Xavier Church served a parish founded in 1849 by German and Irish immigrants who wanted to provide a solid education for their children, which led to a school being opened even before the church was built. The present, Romanesque church was constructed in 1913, replacing the original, 1852 church building. The church complex was designed by prominent Buffalo architects, the church by Max G. Beirel, the rectory by Carl Schmill, and the school, in three phases, by Carl Schmill, Schmill and Gould and its successor firm. The stained glass windows, depicting the Stations of the Cross, were designed and made in Munich. The paintings in the Sanctuary and side altars were executed in 1913 by Fr. Raphael (Pfisterer), a Benedictine Monk. St. Francis Xavier was the first Catholic Parish and school to be established in Black Rock, or what then was known as Lower Black Rock. Its school played a major role not only in the education but also in the social lives of thousands of children. The school closed in 1983, and the parish was closed in 2007. The site was purchased and converted to a museum of religious artifacts in 2008.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Corpus Christi Church: 199 Clark Street, May 21, 11:00am -5:00pm & May 22, 9:00am -3:00pm
Constructed in 1901-1907, this Romanesque Revival church was designed by the Buffalo architecture firm of Schmill and Gould, with facades of reddish-brown Pennsylvania sandstone, and twin bell towers capped by copper cupolas. A century ago, the church served as the cultural center for Buffalo’s Polish community, and continues in this role today. The interior of the church retains much of its original fixtures, murals, decorative paintings, faux-marble altars, dating from 1923-1926, attributed to Buffalo ecclesiastical artist Joseph Mazur, and 1920s stained glass windows by Mayer of Munich. Additional murals were added in 1948, at which time new marble flooring, wainscoting and pulpit were added.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Westminster Presbyterian Church: 724 Delaware Avenue, May 22, 12:00-2:00pm
Niagara Falls
[if !supportLists]· [endif]First Baptist Church of Niagara Falls: 554 Main Street, May 21, 10:00am -4:00pm & May 22, 12:00-4:00pm
Designed by Canadian-born architect James Robert White, the church was constructed in 1900-1901 in the Gothic Revival style. The sanctuary interior has an auditorium plan, 1939 Hall organ, diamond-paned leaded glass windows with geometric and floral stained glass motifs, curved oak pews and bead-board wainscoting and trim.
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Historic Holy Trinity: 1419 Falls Street, May 21, 10:00am – 1:00pm
