The History of First Church

The First Presbyterian Church was the first faith community in Buffalo. Called the “Mother of Churches”, First Church was established on February, 1812 with just ten members, while the British were burning Buffalo!

Our lovely sanctuary, at One Symphony Circle, is our third location. Some information on the first two buildings can be found at this external site. The current Romanesque building was designed by Buffalo architect E.B. Green after a well publicized design contest. The first worship service at our present location was held in the chapel in 1889. During the Pan American exhibition of 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt worshipped at First Church. Visitors are often struck by the visual beauty of our Byzantine decorations and Tiffany stained glass windows. The Noehren Organ has 76 ranks and 3,668 pipes.

During our long history we have had nineteen senior pastors, a brief biographical sketch of these pastors can be found at this external link.

No history of First Presbyterian Church would be complete without a word about its involvement in mission. From its very beginnings, First Church has taken the lead in reaching out to the newest and poorest immigrants settling in Buffalo and was instrumental in the founding of the Visiting Nurse Association of America.

Currently we have a combined active and inactive membership of approximately 350 members, with an average of 145 in worship during the season and more than 80 during the summer months of July and August, when we worship in the Chapel.

The uniquely designed Hindman Chapel, with its vibrant stained glass windows, offers a welcoming atmosphere for our healing services, Lenten worship, special evening programs, weddings and summer services.