Historical Discoveries in WNY

I realize that I have been remiss in updating this blog. I have however, been very busy researching and writing about the history of this fine church. Recently, I discovered the location of the First Presbyterian Church "Brick Church" tower bell that was donated to a church in Tonawanda, NY back in 1890, when the congregation sold the parcel of land to to the (defunct) Buffalo Savings Bank (now the Main Place Mall Tower site).
This bell has an interesting and somewhat checkered history since it was first installed in 1826 or 1827. This bell served as both the church bell, the "town clock bell", and the town fire alarm bell for many years. Its clear and sonorous tone tolled off the hours and rang out the "7", "12" and "9-o'clock bell" with the stately mien of a grandfather's clock. It was while serving in this capacity during a fire in 1833 that it first cracked. It was then repaired, although it is not clear if it was simply repaired or recast at this time, however, on the Fourth-of-July in 1840, the Sexton, John Newland and his assistant were ringing the sweet jubilee bell when a serious fracture developed, after some attempts of repair the bell, including much boring, sawing and filing it was decided that the bell needed to be removed and recast, this was completed in 1851. Its successor proved to be of nearly the same tone as the original. It is this bell that was donated to the Evangelical Friedens Church in North Tonawanda, NY. This information on its location was (at least to the congregation) somehow lost or forgotten in the passage of time ...until now.

There are to my knowledge three major artifacts (other then furniture) that exist that are readily associated with the "Old First" brick church that are known to exist; the first item is the front clock face, in possession of the church; the second is the old Garrett House church Organ, the oldest (1860) extant organ, (locally built) in operation in WNY; the third is the "Old First" bell, which was the "Town Clock Bell" for over 50 years.

A Church with deep roots and some BIG decisions to make!

This is the first of many blog entries specifically to address the many faceted issues facing historic churches in a city with a changing demographic and shrinking population. Specifically, can we afford to remain in our beautiful and historic structure, or in order to continue as a congregation, move and downsize?

First Presbyterian Church has served Buffalo, NY since 1812 and has thus far changed with the times, however, the weight of the responsibility of the upkeep of our beautiful building is taking an ever increasing toll on the financial resources of the congregation. Our building stands as a testimonial to the efforts of those who have come before us; their love for God and the concern for the community. However, despite the fact that the building, now over 111 years since its completion in 1897 is in generally good repair, mounting costs and deterioration of the tower and roof threaten to strain our budget beyond our ability to pay for the repairs.

For this reason, as difficult as this might be for us, we have decided that in order to remain in our building, which seems to be the general consensus of the congregation, we need to seek the help of the community and the public in over coming these costs.

Too many churches have closed over the past few decades, some buildings have found some sort of successful adaptive reuse of their spaces, while others have been torn down, or worse, been left to deteriorate. It is a tragedy for the community whenever a church is forced to consider closing its doors, especially when that church fills such a vital role in providing services to those with real needs. Yet when a religious body, that happens to be the "Mother of all Churches" such as First Presbyterian Church has been to Buffalo, has to consider vacating its historic spaces or face its possible demise as a congregation, it signals the very crumbling of the foundations for the city.

The First Presbyterian Church building has been an anchor at the foot of Richmond Avenue for well over a century, as with the Richardson complex at the north end of Richmond and Forest Avenues. The loss of either of these historic treasures would be a blot on the face of Buffalo and its citizens.

What can you do to help? For a start, you can contact the church office at: (716) 884-7250 and let them know that you want play an active role in helping out. Let them know that you want to help, whether it be financially, or if you have some suggestions or professional contacts that you know would be interested in assisting with this project. Certainly, we would welcome you with open arms if you would be interested in membership too.