[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 61 (Thursday, April 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BUFFALO

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2012

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the First 
Presbyterian Church of Buffalo, known commonly as ``First Church,'' a 
staple in my Western New York community, is celebrating its 
bicentennial this year.
  First Church of Buffalo is the home of Buffalo's oldest congregation. 
Founded on February 2, 1812 by missionaries and veterans of the 
Revolutionary War, the church was the first religious body formed in 
what was the western frontier of New York State.
  Often referred to as the ``Mother of All Churches,'' First 
Presbyterian Church has served as a place of worship for the diverse 
communities of downtown Buffalo and Niagara County.
  The current church located at One Symphony Circle since 1889, stands 
today as one of Buffalo's greatest architectural treasures. The 
building was designed by E.B. Green after land was donated by Mrs. 
Truman Avery in 1889. It is characterized by its varying historical 
influences with its overall Roman exterior, Byzantine interior design 
and Anglican chapel.
  For more than two-hundred years, First Presbyterian Church has been a 
beacon on the West Side of Buffalo and has earned its rightful place in 
our city's storied history. President Theodore Roosevelt worshipped 
here when he visited Buffalo, the Visiting Nurses Association started 
as a mission project here, the Welcome Hall Mission was born at this 
church, and many outreach programs have found their footing through the 
churches indelible commitment to Buffalo's community.
  Mr. Speaker, on Sunday May 20, Western New Yorkers will gather in 
Symphony Circle to commemorate First Church's bicentennial, joining 
together with prayer and with fellowship in celebration of this 
momentous achievement. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and all 
Western New Yorkers in wishing the leaders, congregants and friends of 
First Church the very best as they embark upon their second 200 years 
of service to the people of Buffalo and Western New York.

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