While my first post on this wonderful building exposed the unseen wonders of its heavenly reaches, this story explores the secrets of its nether regions. What goes on below this massive edifice? As my tour continued, we descended to the basement to find the raw structural supports, a tomb, and a wonderful collection of church relics.
The Tomb: The land on which the Church sits was originally donated to the congregation with the stipulation that it eventually house a cemetery. After a fire in the original church building, the present structure was built and became a major landmark. As Buffalo grew, the land became valuable. In 1909, the descendants of the donor came back to reclaim the plot for their use, stating that the cemetery covenant had not been fulfilled. Ha! said the congregation, there is a cemetery on the site. In the interim, they had entombed the remains of Fr. Joseph M. Sorg in the Church Hall, thus fulfilling the contract. The tomb, now in the basement, is the wonderful red brick structure with white marble memorial plaque shown here.
The Relics: Being over 160 years old, the congregation had amassed a sizable collection of historic artifacts. The collection, gathered for the purpose of creating a museum, is a wonderful part of Buffalo's cultural history. It was originally assembled way back in 1954 by Edwin Kolb and others to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the parish. The Church is currently constructing a permanent home for the collection, which they expect to dedicate and open to the public next spring.
The Foundation: Perhaps the most intriguing part of the tour was deep within the bowels of the Church. Below most of the sanctuary, the raw supporting structure of the church is exposed to view. The floor is composed of dry, dusty soil--the very same soil that existed at the time of construction. The massive rough-cut timbers are set on piles of stone. It is a place where time stands still. You can imagine those craftsmen assembling the structure before your eyes.
Check out more images of St. Louis Church here. For more information on the church you can contact Michael Riester, the church archivist. See their web site.