Front Park in Buffalo in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
St. Mary's-on-the-Hill
As the population of Buffalo declined during the later part of the 20th century the congregation of the church decreased as well. This resulted in its closure a little more than 100-years after its opening and eventually this prominent neighborhood house of worship was razed in 2011.
Fortunately neighborhood preservationists saved and stored the bell that occupied the church tower for more than a century.
When D'Youville College announced that they were planning on developing the site into a parking lot, the neighbors asked the College if they would consider incorporating this melancholy bell into the design to celebrate the historic significance of this site.
In keeping with the College's commitment to community interests as well as its desire to honor a bygone neighborhood sanctuary, D'Youville College restored the bell, then designed and constructed this memorial.
Erected by D'Youville College.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 42° 54.276′ N, 78° 53.701′ W. Marker is in Buffalo, New York, in Erie County. It is in Front Park. Marker is at the intersection of Niagara Street (New York State Route 266) and Vermont Street, on the right when traveling north on Niagara Street. Marker is behind the north side of the Connecticut Street Armory, opposite side of Vermont Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 781 Niagara Street, Buffalo NY 14213, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Robert "Frankie" Franklin (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); American Doughboy "Over the Top" to Victory (about 700 feet away); 202nd Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry (about 700 feet away); In Memory of 100th New York Volunteer Infantry (approx. ¼ mile away); 28th U. S. Infantry (approx. ¼ mile away); D'Youville College (approx. ¼ mile away); Oliver Hazard Perry Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); Holy Angels Church (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buffalo.
Also see . . . St. Mary's On the Hill Episcopal Church DEMOLISHED - Buffalo as Architectural Museum. (Submitted on January 21, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 540 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 21, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.