The New York Landmarks Conservancy’s 16th annual Sacred Sites Open House is taking place at local churches on Saturday and Sunday.
The free, state-wide event inviting visitors to explore the extraordinary architecture, art and history of diverse houses of worship across New York. This year’s theme is “Holding Community Memories,” and participating sites will showcase their buildings, histories, and community programs through guided tours, lectures, musical performances, and by opening their archives. Visitors are also free to tour these wonderful buildings on their own, to discover world-class artistic treasures and the remarkable history found in religious institutions throughout New York state.
“Open House Weekend is an invitation to explore the architecture, art, and history within religious buildings in your community,” Peg Breen, president of the New York Landmarks Conservancy. said. “It’s an easy and enjoyable way to be a tourist in your own town.”
In Niagara Falls, Niagara Heritage of Hope and Service, Home of Historic Holy Trinity, 1419 Falls St. will be open from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
In Medina, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 200 E Center St., will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday for guided tours, music and games for the children.
In addition, a pair of Buffalo churches will also take part.
• Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 317 Leroy Avenue — Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Docents will share their knowledge of this near-perfect replication of 12th century Lombard-Romanesque architecture built between 1923 and 1928 including its handmade bricks, extensive use of terra cotta, fascinating medieval iconography, and display of more than 2,000 Christian symbols—all “made in America” by local tradesmen and artisans. The first architectural landmark designated by the Buffalo Landmark and Preservation Board, it is also listed on the national and state Registers of Historic Places.
• Corpus Christi Church, 199 Clark Street — Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information about the New York Landmarks Conservancy Sacred Sites Open House, visit nylandmarks.org.