Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo is a Gothic church building located at 695 Elmwood Avenue featuring limestone walls, a crenelated turret, and wooden doors decorated with wrought iron. Inside, an oak hammer beam ceiling spans the main sanctuary, which holds approximately 400 worshippers.

This building emerged from two separate congregations established in 1831 that united locally in 1953. That merger occurred years before the national denominations combined into a single organization.

The congregation uses these spaces as a gathering place for people exploring questions about faith, ethics, and life meaning. The setting welcomes visitors seeking an open environment for discussion and reflection.

The church entrance is accessible from Elmwood Avenue and the building underwent improvements in 2001 including an elevator and modified restrooms. These upgrades make it easier for visitors with different mobility needs to navigate the space.

A substantial library housing around 2700 volumes on religion, philosophy, and life questions resides within the building and serves both members and visitors. This collection transforms the place into more than a prayer space, making it also a center for personal research and learning.

Location: New York

Architects: Edward Austin Kent

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture

Part of: Elmwood Historic District–East

GPS coordinates: 42.92690,-78.86230

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:00