
Trinity Episcopal Church, Buffalo
Located in the heart of Buffalo on Delaware Avenue, Trinity Episcopal Church is not only one of the city’s oldest congregations—founded in 1836—but also one of its most architecturally and artistically distinguished religious landmarks. Spanning construction phases from 1869 to 1905, the complex embodies the artistic and civic ambitions of a rapidly industrializing city.
The oldest part, Christ Chapel, was built in 1869 in the Gothic Revival style and later redesigned in 1913 by Bertram Goodhue, blending Anglo-Catholic and Arts and Crafts influences. The main church, constructed between 1884 and 1886, is a Victorian Gothic masterpiece originally envisioned by Arthur Gilman and revised by local architect Cyrus Porter. It became nationally renowned for its groundbreaking program of opalescent stained glass by John La Farge, whose work here reestablished him as a leading figure in American decorative arts. Later additions include windows by Tiffany Studios, William Gibson, Hardman and Company, and Mayer Studios of Munich.
The 1905 parish house, designed by the acclaimed firm Cram, Goodhue & Ferguson, complements the artistic sophistication of the main sanctuary. Together, these buildings form a cohesive ensemble that reflects the evolving trends of late 19th- and early 20th-century ecclesiastical architecture.
Beyond its physical beauty, Trinity has long served as a spiritual and social anchor for Buffalo’s community. Known for its inclusive ethos and commitment to social outreach, the church continues to welcome people from all walks of life. It also remains a hub for music and the arts, notably with the installation of a large Schlicker organ in 1954, inaugurated by noted organists including E. Power Biggs.
Designated a site on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, Trinity Episcopal Church remains a beacon of faith, creativity, and community engagement in Buffalo—a sacred space where beauty, history, and spiritual hospitality meet.
The oldest part, Christ Chapel, was built in 1869 in the Gothic Revival style and later redesigned in 1913 by Bertram Goodhue, blending Anglo-Catholic and Arts and Crafts influences. The main church, constructed between 1884 and 1886, is a Victorian Gothic masterpiece originally envisioned by Arthur Gilman and revised by local architect Cyrus Porter. It became nationally renowned for its groundbreaking program of opalescent stained glass by John La Farge, whose work here reestablished him as a leading figure in American decorative arts. Later additions include windows by Tiffany Studios, William Gibson, Hardman and Company, and Mayer Studios of Munich.
The 1905 parish house, designed by the acclaimed firm Cram, Goodhue & Ferguson, complements the artistic sophistication of the main sanctuary. Together, these buildings form a cohesive ensemble that reflects the evolving trends of late 19th- and early 20th-century ecclesiastical architecture.
Beyond its physical beauty, Trinity has long served as a spiritual and social anchor for Buffalo’s community. Known for its inclusive ethos and commitment to social outreach, the church continues to welcome people from all walks of life. It also remains a hub for music and the arts, notably with the installation of a large Schlicker organ in 1954, inaugurated by noted organists including E. Power Biggs.
Designated a site on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, Trinity Episcopal Church remains a beacon of faith, creativity, and community engagement in Buffalo—a sacred space where beauty, history, and spiritual hospitality meet.
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Trinity Episcopal Church on Map
Sight Name: Trinity Episcopal Church
Sight Location: Buffalo, USA (See walking tours in Buffalo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Buffalo, USA (See walking tours in Buffalo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Buffalo, New York
Create Your Own Walk in Buffalo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Buffalo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Buffalo's Historical Churches
Be it for the British and French colonialism or the result of missionary work, today Christianity remains the prevalent religion in Buffalo, New York. The city itself, home to some of the most famous Gothic churches in the US, is long considered a great destination to admire religious architecture and its magical spiritual beauty.
Among the notable landmarks here is Saint Paul's Episcopal... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Among the notable landmarks here is Saint Paul's Episcopal... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Buffalo Introduction Walking Tour
Buffalo is the largest city in Western New York and the state's second-largest city. Because of its location on the Niagaras River and the western end of Lake Erie, it has been a center of commerce for generations. The earliest settlers were members of the Iroquois nation and French settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries.
In the 19th century, the Erie Canal's construction brought in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
In the 19th century, the Erie Canal's construction brought in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles