As a co-founder of the Buffalo Mass Mob, singling out any in particular as “special” is a bit like a parent being asked about their favorite child. Over the last three years, each Mass Mob has been a special and unique learning experience. A chance to visit congregations in every corner of Our Fair City and learn the individual and common challenges each church faces. And often, share what I learn about them by writing. Also, as someone who didn’t grow up in Buffalo, nor in the Catholic Church, it has been a great opportunity to meet other Catholics in the Diocese. I’ve learned that most of us — leadership and laity alike — have common concerns about closings, downsizings, and remaining relevant to an ever-changing and ever-challenging city.
But despite its Catholic roots, the Mass Mob has always had an ecumenical (interfaith) element. As I’ve learned, people of all faiths — and even no faith — also care about the present relevance and future viability of our urban churches. Mass Mob attendees have included those of the Jewish faith, many Protestants, and even some Atheists, as I’ve heard. The Mass Mob at Black Rock’s Assumption Church coincided with their Harvest Festival, where attendees associated with their parish school included Muslim families. And at the outset, the Mass Mob co-founders expressed an openness to Mass Mobs at non-Catholic churches. But when might that happen?
This weekend, as it happens, the Buffalo Mass Mob will be…mobbing…its first Protestant church.
This weekend, as it happens, the Buffalo Mass Mob will be…mobbing…its first Protestant church, First Presbyterian at Symphony Circle (see here). And it’s hard to imagine a better choice for the first Protestant church. First Presbyterian is one of Buffalo’s most visually prominent churches, at one of Buffalo’s most visually prominent locations. Her local architect, E.B. Green, recognized an opportunity to “bookend” Richmond Avenue, a key link in the Olmsted parkway system. And First Presbyterian’s soaring tower of rusticated sandstone — the same material as the H.H. Richardson-designed towers — assured the Avenue would have a beautiful, romantic terminal view on either end.
And First Presbyterian Church’s interior manages to match the grandeur of the architecture you see from outside. (Note: if you haven’t been inside, this paragraph contains spoilers!) Unlike the rough, rusticated stonework of the exterior, the sanctuary is a rich, delicate, almost intimate (for a space so large) Byzantine chapel. It features some of Buffalo’s finest Tiffany windows, whose opalescent glass plays with the sunlight.
First Presbyterian is rightly proud of this beautiful interior space, and enjoys sharing it with the community, making it the site of many concerts and open houses. Organist and choirmaster David Bond always has great music on tap, and weekly pulls out all the stops, so to speak, with Old Hundred (the old-timey church music accompanying the Doxology).
Buffalo Mass Mob co-founder Danielle Huber made this video of the church.
As much as I love and appreciate architecture, for me the Mass Mob is primarily about the people and mission of our urban churches. And in this regard, like her signature architecture, First Presbyterian has an important tale to tell. Hoping to do justice to it, I’m currently working on a long-form print article (stay tuned). It won’t give anything away to say that in the wake of the great recession, which gut-punched every institution in Buffalo, and facing some very expensive repairs, First Presbyterian had to come to terms with whether she could retain her separate identity, remain in her iconic home, and regain her relevance with contemporary Allentown — growing ever younger, less formal, and “unchurched.”
That First Presbyterian has managed to take on all those challenges simultaneously is an inspiration. Her resilience is perhaps rooted in her two-century history and having no shortage of experience with adversity: on a visit with new, permanent pastor Rev. Elena Delgado and longtime Church Manager Christina Banas, I was shown the original “session” book (pictured), rescued from the War of 1812 burning of Buffalo. My personal hope is that Sunday’s Mass Mob will be both a celebration of First Presbyterian’s hard work and success to date, and also a boost to put a spring in the step of all involved on the road ahead.
Note: while the service begins at 10AM Sunday, plan to arrive early for tours, seating, and parking (if you must use a car). Check the schedule at the link below for details.
Buffalo Mass Mob XVIII at First Presbyterian Church: full schedule and details.