First Presbyterian Church, Buffalo

The First Presbyterian Church in Buffalo holds a unique place in the city's history as its oldest religious congregation, founded on February 2, 1812—before Buffalo was even a city. At the time, the area was sparsely settled and considered part of the western frontier. The congregation survived the burning of Buffalo during the War of 1812, with its earliest records saved by Deacon Amos Callender, who spirited them away in a pillowcase to Batavia. Those very records are still preserved by the church today.

Originally located at Main and Church Streets—now Main Place Mall—the church moved in the late 1880s to Symphony Circle as Buffalo expanded, selling its downtown site to Erie County Savings Bank. The new church was completed in stages between 1889 and 1897 and was designed by the distinguished Buffalo architectural firm Green & Wicks. The design, executed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, features a commanding Medina sandstone façade and a copper-roofed tower—echoing the grandeur of the nearby Richardson-Olmsted Complex.

Inside, the sanctuary stuns with its Byzantine Revival ornamentation, completed in 1924 by congregation member William Carson Francis. Its soaring arches, central dome, and mosaic-like patterns are complemented by an impressive collection of stained-glass windows, many created by the Tiffany Studios. The centerpiece: three chandeliers modeled after those in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia—also crafted by Tiffany. Their glow is said to take visitors’ breath away when first lit.

The church has welcomed many prominent visitors over the years, most notably Theodore Roosevelt, who attended a service here on September 8, 1901, just days before being sworn in as President following the death of William McKinley.

Today, the church remains a beacon in Buffalo’s Allentown Historic District, known not only for its architectural splendor but for its deep roots in the city’s history and spirit. Restoration efforts are ongoing, ensuring this remarkable structure continues to inspire for generations to come.