Building & Grounds
The Gift of a Historic Building
Perhaps the first thing a newcomer notices about this church is the graceful presence of its structure, the historic beauty of its 500-seat sanctuary, and the loveliness of the gardens which embrace the building to create a park-like setting for this architectural jewel. The congregation recognizes both the gift and the challenge of a historic structure anchoring a crossroads in the lively Elmwood Village neighborhood.
The church and attached parish hall, provide a collection of spaces for various functions. They include a sanctuary with a choir loft, a community hall with an adjoining kitchen, meeting rooms, class rooms and staff offices.
The gardens that surround the church, including the Memorial Garden on the west side and the labyrinth to the north of the building, are planned, planted and maintained by a dedicated group of congregants who bring their skills and commitment to creating beauty in a style consistent with the church’s architecture. The church participates in the Buffalo Garden Walk each year, and the gardens are a mark of pride in the neighborhood.
The church, now over a hundred years old, has earned status as a local historic landmark. A team has been working in the past two years assembling the documentation to apply for placement on the National Register of Historic Places. The church has recently been recognized by the IRS as an official 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, and we are preparing to take advantage of opportunities to apply for funding assistance to maintain this historic treasure.
In the meantime, a list of priority short-range capital improvements was identified and a one-time endowment draw approved to address needs that range from accessibility enhancements in sound, lighting and the elevator; plumbing, HVAC and roof repairs; replacing the Sanctuary carpeting and repairing the church bell.
Some of these costs will be underwritten by donations, reducing the impact on the endowment. Church leaders realize that the church is overdue for a capital campaign in order to address other maintenance needs, but have decided to wait until the historic register/501(c)3 process and the ministerial transition are completed before opening explorations in that area.
Some of the projects listed have been completed some are on going and still others have been added
The work of maintaining and upgrading facilities of a place with so much history and character is involved and rewarding
Perhaps the first thing a newcomer notices about this church is the graceful presence of its structure, the historic beauty of its 500-seat sanctuary, and the loveliness of the gardens which embrace the building to create a park-like setting for this architectural jewel. The congregation recognizes both the gift and the challenge of a historic structure anchoring a crossroads in the lively Elmwood Village neighborhood.
The church and attached parish hall, provide a collection of spaces for various functions. They include a sanctuary with a choir loft, a community hall with an adjoining kitchen, meeting rooms, class rooms and staff offices.
The gardens that surround the church, including the Memorial Garden on the west side and the labyrinth to the north of the building, are planned, planted and maintained by a dedicated group of congregants who bring their skills and commitment to creating beauty in a style consistent with the church’s architecture. The church participates in the Buffalo Garden Walk each year, and the gardens are a mark of pride in the neighborhood.
The church, now over a hundred years old, has earned status as a local historic landmark. A team has been working in the past two years assembling the documentation to apply for placement on the National Register of Historic Places. The church has recently been recognized by the IRS as an official 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, and we are preparing to take advantage of opportunities to apply for funding assistance to maintain this historic treasure.
In the meantime, a list of priority short-range capital improvements was identified and a one-time endowment draw approved to address needs that range from accessibility enhancements in sound, lighting and the elevator; plumbing, HVAC and roof repairs; replacing the Sanctuary carpeting and repairing the church bell.
Some of these costs will be underwritten by donations, reducing the impact on the endowment. Church leaders realize that the church is overdue for a capital campaign in order to address other maintenance needs, but have decided to wait until the historic register/501(c)3 process and the ministerial transition are completed before opening explorations in that area.
Some of the projects listed have been completed some are on going and still others have been added
The work of maintaining and upgrading facilities of a place with so much history and character is involved and rewarding