Reprinted with permission as a public service by the Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier, now the Preservation Buffalo Niagara


Houses of Worship: A Guide to the Religious Architecture of Buffalo, New York
By James Napora
Table of Contents

FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE - 1868
173 Allen at Park Street (NW)
Architect Unknown
Founded 1867

The Hickstite Quakers, the first Quaker settlers in the Western New York area, arrived here in the early 1800s, settling primarily south of the city in the vicinity of Orchard Park, North Collins and Eden. As of 1806, they had constructed their first meeting house and school in Orchard Park. In 1828, they constructed a more substantial meeting house there on Quaker Road. It was to this location that Buffalo Quakers traveled for services. As the city grew, so did its Quaker population.

In 1867, the East Hamburg (Orchard Park) Society of Friends organized an urban mission in the city. The following year, with 25 members, they purchased land on Allen Street from the estate of James P. Warren. Members of the congregation constructed the modest Italianate meeting house.

During the 1890s, the congregation began to experience a loss in members, as Quakers began to either move from the area or join other allied congregations. No longer finding support for their mission here, in April, 1898 they concluded meetings.

In 1905, the society sold the building to the Hygienic Nursing Bottle Company for use as a packing house. The building currently houses two apartments. The original headstone is still visible on the front of the building above the door.


© 1995 James Napora
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