Mary Holland 2012 Preservation Award Winner
Buffalo Religious Arts Center, Buffalo, NY
Recognized for Stewardship

Preservation Buffalo Niagara is recognizing outstanding preservation projects and those contributing to preservation efforts at its annual awards ceremony May 30, 11:30 AM in the Statler’s Golden Ballroom. Award categories were established to acknowledge distinguished contributions to our community through preservation activity. Recipients will be recognized in several areas including: preservation craft; rehabilitation/adaptive re-use; stewardship; neighborhood conservation; planning/reconstruction; and preservation journalism.

One very exciting topic we’ll be discussing is the 100th anniversary of Saint Francis Xavier Church!

The BRAC is looking forward to taking part in future happy events and working with more wonderful couples.  This first one was truly a pleasure.

Photo by Dominic Luongo

Photo by Dominic Luongo

Photo by Dominic Luongo

St Stanislaus died at the very early age of 19, just after becoming a novice.  For this reason he is  depicted as a young man wearing a vestment (a long headdress worn by bishops and senior abbots as a symbol of office).  It was also said, that he was loved by children.  So, also many times, he is shown holding a child.

"Volunteers bring in another statue for our collection. Is is St. Stanislaus Kostka

Left: St. Stan Kostka Right St. Stanislaus

Two of the four are going to house two statues of the Infant of Prague.  The array of outfits are going to be the backdrop for the statues.  I literally gasped when I saw the outfits.  Their colors are brilliant.  I then pulled them from the plastic covers and felt the material.  They are made from only the best fabric.  The velvet on some was so rich.  And to think they were all handmade by older women of the church that the Infants came from – such patience.   I have to admit, I was a little envious of some of the dresses.  If only I was a little shorter

More on the Infant of Prague:

http://www.pragjesu.info/en/history_infant_jesus.htm

“The Harmonia Chamber Singers” sang at the Buff Rel Ats Center on Sunday May 22, 2011.

Harmonia was voted Best Vocal Ensemble in Artvoice’s Best of Buffalo 2011.  We would like to thank Robert Pacillo, Director and we hope to see you again next year for another concert!!

The Buffalo Religious Art Center was alive with the hum of pipe organ this past week.   Peter Gonciarz, a senior at Villa Maria College, showed off his talent by playing a variety of different pieces.  He began playing at age 13 when his church paid for organ lessons, and he has been playing ever since.  By now, he has played at a number of churches.

It was about a year ago that Peter called up the B.R.A.C. to ask if he could come play.  He had heard that the church still had it’s original 1932 Schlicker organ.  The organ was hand-made right at the Schlicker Organ Company in North Tonawanda.  Like other church organs, it was built for that church.  No where else would it’s sound ring truer.  That, matched with such a talented player, creates an incredibly angelic sound.

Buffalo Religious Arts Center Docent-Led Tours
Come see the beautiful Romanesque St. Francis Xavier Church as it undergoes its transformation into Xavier Hall, the new home of the Buffalo Religious Arts Center. Learn the history of this uniquely American bascillica-styled landmark of Black Rock, and see the growing collection of the Religious Arts Center, including items from St. Mary’s of Sorrows, Queen of Peace, Temple Beth El, and icons from the Russian Orthodox Church.

When: Saturdays 1pm; other times available by appointment
Where: The Buffalo Religious Arts Center
Cost: $10 adults; $5 students; members free
More Information: Call 716.481.2350

Splendors in Stained Glass

Explore an underappreciated part of Buffalo’s fabulous architectural legacy: stained glass windows by some of the most important European, American and Buffalo artists and studios. Be prepared for oohs and ahhs and, don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars! Co-sponsored by Buffalo Tours.

When: Wednesdays at 1pm
Where: Meet at the following locations:
June 15: St. Ann’s, 491 Emslie St; walk to St. Stanislaus
July 20: Corpus Christi, 199 Clark St; walk to St. Adalbert’s
Aug 17: Westminster Presbyterian, 724 Delaware Ave; to Trinity Episcopal
Sept 21: First Presbyterian, 21 Church St, Lockport; walk to Grace Episcopal
Cost: $10 per person, $5 for students

Black Rock Tours

Discover the rich art, history, and architecture of this little-known riverside community that dates back to the early 1800s. Admission includes a guided tour inside the Buffalo Religious Arts Center in the former St. Francis Xavier Church.

Co-sponsored by Buffalo Tours

When: July 16, Aug 20, Sept 24 at 2pm
Where: Meet at Amherst St & Niagara St
Cost: $10 per person, $5 for students

Garden Tour Events

On Sat, Aug 6th, 2011 the Black Rock & Riverside Tour of Gardens will be held. Visitors to the area could stop by and see one of Buffalo’s incredible sites, The Buffalo Religious Arts Center which will be opened that day from 11am to 4pm. Tours of the former church are usually $10.00 per person but if you are on the Tour of Gardens the admission fee is $8.00.

For more information on The Garden Tour see their website: www.brrgardenwalk.com

When: Sat, Aug 6th 11am-4pm
Where: self-guided tours in the Buffalo area
Cost: $8 per person (regular Center admission is $10)

Tiffany Tour of Churches Bus Tour

A part of the Buffalo Artchitecture and History talks and tours.

Visit the lush interiors of Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, First Presbyterian Church, and the Church of the Good Shepherd, all known for their astounding display of Tiffany stained glass.

This guided, six hour tour includes transportation, admission to the Buffalo Religious Arts Center, lunch at Chef’s, and a special organ recital at Xavier Hall.

When: Sat, Nov 19, 2011 9am-3pm
Where: Meet at the Buffalo Religious Arts Center: 157 East Street
Cost: Reservations required: $65 ($50 for Buffalo Tours members)

Be sure to check out these tours and upcoming events:

Buffalo Religious Arts Center Docent-Led Tours
Come see the beautiful Romanesque St. Francis Xavier Church as it undergoes its transformation into Xavier Hall, the new home of the Buffalo Religious Arts Center. Learn the history of this uniquely American bascillica-styled landmark of Black Rock, and see the growing collection of the Religious Arts Center, including items from St. Mary’s of Sorrows, Queen of Peace, Temple Beth El, and icons from the Russian Orthodox Church.

Stained Glass Windows in Buffalo
Co-Sponsored by Buffalo Religious Arts Center and Buffalo Tours. See our Tours page for details.
These 2-hour walking tours average 45 minutes per building, with a 15-minute walk between buildings, and a 15-minute walk returning to the starting point. Tours include information on buildings’ designer and fabricator, buildings’ content and iconography, and the style and fabrication techniques of the buildings.

Buffalo’s First Lady: Frances Folsom Cleveland
Learn the history of First Lady Frances Folsom Cleveland, born on Edward Street in Buffalo.
May 29-30, 2010

Hutchinson Family Revival Reenactors
Our country’s history mirrored in 19th Century music performed by the Hutchinson Family Revival.
June 5, 2010

Fashion Show: Antique Clothes Modeled by Historic Characters
See clothing styles from the 1860-1960, each modeled by a famous lady from the period.
July 17, 2010

Holiday Churches Bus Tours
Coming in December – all new churches for 2010! Visit the lush interiors of Delaware Avenue Baptist Church, St. Casimir Roman Catholic Church, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, and the Hellenic Orthodox Church of the Annunciation. This six hour, guided tour includes transportation, entry into each church, admission to the Buffalo Religious Arts Center, lunch at Chef’s, and a special organ recital at Xavier Hall. Reservations Required.