by Brian Castner
The Buffalo Religious Arts Center is pleased to announce that it now owns the Saint Francis Xavier Complex, located at East and Amherst Streets in Black Rock. Included in the purchase is the Roman Basillica style church built in 1913, the 27,000 square foot school, and the Parish House. An anonymous donor provided funds for the entire purchase cost.
The Buffalo Religious Arts Center is converting the church into Xavier Hall, the first gallery dedicated to religious art in the United States housed in a former church. It will concentrate on the heritage and history of Buffalo, as told by the religious art created by its immigrants. Not affiliated with any specific denomination, the Buffalo Religious Arts Center seeks to display art of all faith traditions.