It's going to be one of the big 2008 issues: What are we going to do in order to save our churches (thus saving our neighborhoods)? We have seen some excellent reuses in recent years... condos, medical offices, concert hall, arts center... a future museum dedicated to religious art and artifacts? The plans would ensure the lifeline for two churches - St. Francis Xavier Church (East Street near Amherst Street in Black Rock) and St. Ann Church (Broadway and Emslie Street). But those are only two more churches out of dozens that are being labeled as endangered landmarks. This Saturday a public meeting, sponsored by Campaign for Greater Buffalo, will be held at Babeville to discuss the landmarks in peril.
The hope is to get enough people to attend the community meeting who may be interested in helping to generate ideas. It is also an informative event that will shed some light on the current situation that Buffalo (and other cities throughout the country) are facing at this time. The organizers are hoping to reach parishioners, preservationists, developers, block club and community group members, nonprofits and anyone else who is interested in getting involved. This would be an excellent opportunity for developers who have been looking to take on significant projects. Funding sources will be examined, as will the current conditions of the churches. I would imagine that there will be a City of Buffalo representative there to answer questions... and it would be very, very beneficial to have anyone there who may have been involved with any church restoration efforts in the past.
The public meeting takes place tomorrow, February 23rd at Ani DiFranco's Babeville (former Asbury Delaware church @ Tupper) from 9am to noon. Refreshments will be served and donations will be accepted.
Here are a few recent BRO church-related posts...
Our Lady of Lourdes (photo)