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2000 Historic Preservation Success Stories!
Designed in the Gothic Revival style by the English born and trained architect George Hancock of Fargo, the Calvary Episcopal Chapel of Buffalo was constructed between 1884 and 1886 at a cost of $2,500 using mostly uncut, native fieldstone gathered by parishioners. Like many congregations in rural America, the Episcopalian Church in buffalo experienced and reflected the ups and downs of agricultural economics, fluctuating populations, migrating clergy, severe weather extremes, sickness and health, even scheduling problems with the passenger service on the Northern Pacific Railroad. Damaged by several storms and vandals, still, the church held on, sometimes open, sometimes closed until 1936 when it closed for the last time as an Episcopalian Church. In 1936, the building was purchased by the Buffalo Masonic Lodge #77 AF & AM and served as the Masonic Temple and meetings of the Order of the Easter Star Aurora Chapter # 59, until the Masons donated the building to the Buffalo Historical Society in 1985. Active with various projects in and for the community, it wasn't
until June, 1995 that the Buffalo Historical Society initiated restoration
of the Old Stone Church. With few exceptions, members performed restoration
work. They stripped wallpaper in the rectory, patched plaster and repainted
the church interior, replaced rotten windowsills and mixed mortar. A stonemason
was hired to rebuild a buttress that had been virtually ripped apart by vegetation.
People who could not work themselves gave, or raised money. With thousands
of donated hours, volunteers beautified the grounds and property. Original
furnishings from the church were located and acquired from owners, often as
donations.
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