To the Rescue

     Now, From Station #6 by Liberty Pole you will walk North around the Sibley's Square Building and parking garage to the South east corner of Pleasant St. and Clinton Ave. From there look east to our next landmark, the remains of the St. Joseph's Church.

  The church was originally built in 1843-46 in the Greek Revival Style popular before the Civil War. It was enlarged to the standard Cruciform style in 1846 enabling it to seat up to 1000 people. This, Though is a example of a landmark that was rescued from near oblivion. 

   The Church survived as an active church up till 1974 when a devastating fire broke out destroying it and the adjacent rectory. Because of its' history of being the largest catholic church inside the inner loop - or - downtown area, there was almost immediate interest in trying to save something of this church.

   In collaboration between the catholic church and the Landmark Society of Western NY a deal was struck to purchase the land and convert the facade and tower into a park. It gave our city a place to look back on its history and provided event space for parties and weddings. 

   For me, it simply was a way to preserve and honor the people of our city that came before us.