Buffalo's Historical Churches (Self Guided), Buffalo
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 Cathedral. Constructed in the Gothic Revival style, its soaring spires and intricate stonework granted this fine piece of architecture its National Historic Landmark status in 1987.
Saint Louis Roman Catholic Church, located in the heart of Buffalo's Old First Ward, is another iconic structure. With its striking red brick facade and towering bell tower, this church exemplifies the grandeur of Gothic Revival in full splendor. Since its dedication in 1889, this temple has served as a spiritual anchor for generations of parishioners.
Methodist Episcopal Church, dating back to the mid-19th century, reflects Buffalo's diverse religious landscape. Its elegant Greek Revival design, featuring Medina sandstone, speaks to a bygone era of craftsmanship and earned this church a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
Trinity Episcopal Church, established in 1869, is yet another stunning example of Gothic architecture. Its graceful arches, intricate woodwork, and stained glass windows provide a tranquil setting for contemplation and prayer.
First Presbyterian Church, founded in 1812, holds the distinction of being Buffalo's oldest congregation. Its Romanesque facade and intricate ornamentation command attention, while its legacy – spanning over two centuries – remains a cherished symbol of faith and tradition and a testament to Buffalo's pioneering spirit.
As stewards of historical treasures, we are called to honor their legacy and ensure their preservation for future generations. With this in mind, we have compiled this self-guided walk to enable you to explore some of the most prominent religious sites in Buffalo firsthand and thus contribute to safeguarding the city's heritage of faith and architecture.
Among the notable landmarks here is Saint Paul's Episcopal Cathedral. Constructed in the Gothic Revival style, its soaring spires and intricate stonework granted this fine piece of architecture its National Historic Landmark status in 1987.
Saint Louis Roman Catholic Church, located in the heart of Buffalo's Old First Ward, is another iconic structure. With its striking red brick facade and towering bell tower, this church exemplifies the grandeur of Gothic Revival in full splendor. Since its dedication in 1889, this temple has served as a spiritual anchor for generations of parishioners.
Methodist Episcopal Church, dating back to the mid-19th century, reflects Buffalo's diverse religious landscape. Its elegant Greek Revival design, featuring Medina sandstone, speaks to a bygone era of craftsmanship and earned this church a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
Trinity Episcopal Church, established in 1869, is yet another stunning example of Gothic architecture. Its graceful arches, intricate woodwork, and stained glass windows provide a tranquil setting for contemplation and prayer.
First Presbyterian Church, founded in 1812, holds the distinction of being Buffalo's oldest congregation. Its Romanesque facade and intricate ornamentation command attention, while its legacy – spanning over two centuries – remains a cherished symbol of faith and tradition and a testament to Buffalo's pioneering spirit.
As stewards of historical treasures, we are called to honor their legacy and ensure their preservation for future generations. With this in mind, we have compiled this self-guided walk to enable you to explore some of the most prominent religious sites in Buffalo firsthand and thus contribute to safeguarding the city's heritage of faith and architecture.
How it works: Download the app "911±¬ÁĎÍř: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 911±¬ÁĎÍř App
Buffalo's Historical Churches Map
Guide Name: Buffalo's Historical Churches
Guide Location: USA » Buffalo (See other walking tours in Buffalo)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 5
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Author: sabrina
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » Buffalo (See other walking tours in Buffalo)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 5
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Author: sabrina
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral
- Saint Louis Roman Catholic Church
- Methodist Episcopal Church
- Trinity Episcopal Church
- First Presbyterian Church
1) St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral
Saint Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Buffalo is the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York. This Cathedral has been designated as a National Historic Landmark since 1987. The current building opened in 1890 following reconstruction after a fire gutted the original building constructed in 1838.
This church's exterior features native red sandstone and stands out due to the nave being the largest part of the building. Buttresses supporting the nave walls have been crowned with Gothic-style finials. The Cathedral's main tower reaches an impressive height of 275 feet, featuring a steeple topped with a cross.
There is a smaller tower of 125 feet at the opposite end of the Cathedral. Marble mosaics and slate make up the flooring, with French-made flooring surrounding the altar. All of the chancel furnishings are of oak, featuring Robert Gibson's design, and Mexican onyx has been used in the creation of the altar.
This church's exterior features native red sandstone and stands out due to the nave being the largest part of the building. Buttresses supporting the nave walls have been crowned with Gothic-style finials. The Cathedral's main tower reaches an impressive height of 275 feet, featuring a steeple topped with a cross.
There is a smaller tower of 125 feet at the opposite end of the Cathedral. Marble mosaics and slate make up the flooring, with French-made flooring surrounding the altar. All of the chancel furnishings are of oak, featuring Robert Gibson's design, and Mexican onyx has been used in the creation of the altar.
2) Saint Louis Roman Catholic Church
Saint Louis Roman Catholic Church, standing proudly on Edward Street in Buffalo, is more than just the city’s oldest Catholic parish—it’s affectionately known as the “Mother Church” of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. Founded on January 5, 1829, the parish began with a humble log structure built on land donated by French nobleman Louis Stephen LeCouteulx de Caumont. Since then, the church has weathered fires, migrations, and reconstructions, growing alongside the community it serves.
After a brick version of the church was completed in 1843 (only to be destroyed by fire in 1885), the present Gothic Revival masterpiece was dedicated in 1889. Designed by Schikel & Ditmars of New York, the third church iteration is a striking vision of carved stone, rich wood, and radiant stained glass. Its most remarkable feature is the 245-foot octagonal Medina sandstone steeple crowned with a 72-foot pierced spire—the tallest openwork stone spire in the United States, entirely unreinforced.
The church’s dramatic interior includes a Latin cross floor plan, beautifully detailed statuary, and a 1903 Kimball Organ residing in the choir loft. The Seth Thomas clock perched on the steeple adds both function and grace to the skyline.
Saint Louis Church also honors the heritage of its German parishioners with a small German Heritage Museum on site. The museum, open by appointment, hosts a Christmas Mass in German and celebrates cultural traditions throughout the year.
Visitors are invited to explore this Gothic gem, admire its soaring steeple, and connect with nearly two centuries of faith, community, and history.
After a brick version of the church was completed in 1843 (only to be destroyed by fire in 1885), the present Gothic Revival masterpiece was dedicated in 1889. Designed by Schikel & Ditmars of New York, the third church iteration is a striking vision of carved stone, rich wood, and radiant stained glass. Its most remarkable feature is the 245-foot octagonal Medina sandstone steeple crowned with a 72-foot pierced spire—the tallest openwork stone spire in the United States, entirely unreinforced.
The church’s dramatic interior includes a Latin cross floor plan, beautifully detailed statuary, and a 1903 Kimball Organ residing in the choir loft. The Seth Thomas clock perched on the steeple adds both function and grace to the skyline.
Saint Louis Church also honors the heritage of its German parishioners with a small German Heritage Museum on site. The museum, open by appointment, hosts a Christmas Mass in German and celebrates cultural traditions throughout the year.
Visitors are invited to explore this Gothic gem, admire its soaring steeple, and connect with nearly two centuries of faith, community, and history.
3) Methodist Episcopal Church
The Delaware Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church—also known as Asbury-Delaware Methodist Church—is a historic religious landmark located in Buffalo. Constructed between 1871 and 1876, the church was designed by prominent architect John H. Selkirk, who played a key role in shaping the city’s religious architecture. Built from richly textured Medina sandstone, the structure stands as a striking example of High Victorian Gothic design, often noted for its elaborate detailing and vertical emphasis.
The church earned its dual name in 1916 when it merged with the nearby Asbury Methodist congregation. This combined community remained active until 1969, marking the end of a longstanding Methodist presence in Buffalo—one that dated back to the city’s early days.
After years of dormancy, the building found new life in 2006 when it was restored and repurposed by Righteous Babe Records, the independent label founded by musician Ani DiFranco. Known today as “Babeville,” the space serves as a vibrant arts and performance venue, preserving the church’s legacy while giving it a contemporary purpose.
Recognized for its architectural and historical significance, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
The church earned its dual name in 1916 when it merged with the nearby Asbury Methodist congregation. This combined community remained active until 1969, marking the end of a longstanding Methodist presence in Buffalo—one that dated back to the city’s early days.
After years of dormancy, the building found new life in 2006 when it was restored and repurposed by Righteous Babe Records, the independent label founded by musician Ani DiFranco. Known today as “Babeville,” the space serves as a vibrant arts and performance venue, preserving the church’s legacy while giving it a contemporary purpose.
Recognized for its architectural and historical significance, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
4) Trinity Episcopal Church
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.
5) First Presbyterian Church
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.
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.
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 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
The Most Popular Cities
/ view all