St. Adalbert's Basilica, Buffalo Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Adalbert Basilica

42°53′50″N 78°49′52″W / 42.8972759°N 78.8311436°W / 42.8972759; -78.8311436
Location	212 Stanislaus Street, Buffalo, New York
Country	United States
Denomination	Roman Catholic
History
Status	Parish church
Founded	1886
Architecture
Functional status	"Active"
Architect(s)	Raymond Huber
Style	Romanesque
Completed	1890
Construction cost	US$63 thousand
Specifications
Length	240 feet (73.2 m)
Width	118 feet (36.0 m)
Height	151 feet (46.0 m)
Materials	Brick

Saint Adalbert Basilica is a very old and important Catholic church in Buffalo, New York. It's known for its grand and beautiful design, which is called the Polish Cathedral style. In 1907, something special happened: the Vatican, which is the main office of the Catholic Church, named St. Adalbert a "basilica." This was a huge honor, as it was the very first church in the United States to get this title! You can even see the official document about this in the church's museum.

Building a Grand Church
Helping the Community
The Church Today
- Changes and Appeals
- Still Open for Special Events
Images for kids
See also

Building a Grand Church

How the Basilica Was Built

The Saint Adalbert Basilica was built by Huber and Company in 1890. It was constructed by Polish immigrants who came to America. The church is made of brick and is very large. It is about 240 feet (73 meters) long and 118 feet (36 meters) wide. The main part of the church, called the nave, is 70 feet (21 meters) high.

Towers and Dome

The church has two tall towers that reach 150 feet (46 meters) into the sky. It also has a large dome that is 40 feet (12 meters) wide. This dome rises 125 feet (38 meters) above the main part of the church. When it was finished, Saint Adalbert Basilica was the biggest church in Western New York. It cost about $63,000 to build, which was a lot of money back then!

Beautiful Art and Windows

The church is also famous for its 36 beautiful stained glass windows. These windows were made in Germany by a company called Franz Mayer & Co. Inside, the church was decorated by an artist named Jozef Mazur.

Helping the Community

The Response to Love Center

Next to the Basilica, there is a place called the St. Adalbert's Response to Love Center. Sister Mary Johnice runs this center. It helps people in Buffalo who need support. They offer hot meals and a food pantry for families. They also give toys and clothing to children.

Learning and Support

The center helps adults too. They offer classes to help people get their GED (a high school equivalency diploma). They also provide basic computer training to help people find jobs.

Mother Teresa Home

In 2016, the old house where the church's priest used to live was changed into the Mother Teresa Home. This home is a safe place for pregnant women who need help and support.

The Church Today

Changes and Appeals

For a while, there were plans to close the church for regular services. The last weekly Mass was planned for November 25, 2007. However, the church members asked the Vatican to keep it open. In February 2008, the Vatican's highest court agreed with the decision to close it. But a group called "Save St. Adalbert" kept trying to keep it open.

Still Open for Special Events

Eventually, the Vatican decided that St. Adalbert Parish would join with St. John Kanty Parish. But Saint Adalbert's would still be open for worship! The last regular weekly Mass at St. Adalbert's was on September 18, 2011. This marked the end of the church's 125th anniversary celebration. Even though it doesn't have weekly services anymore, Saint Adalbert Basilica is still open today. It hosts four special Masses each year. People also use it for weddings, funerals, baptisms, and tours.

Images for kids

Saint Adalbert Basilica
Saint Adalbert Basilica, rear view
Former school at Saint Adalbert Basilica
Inscription over door of former school at Saint Adalbert Basilica: "Come, Holy Spirit."
rear of the church
Response to Love Center (behind church)
rectory
sign to the left of the front entrance