The first building on Ontario & Gallatin, 1905
In 1903, the Riverside area was known as "North Buffalo," and only a stub line of the trolleys went
north beyond Hertel Avenue. At a home, two Presbyterian ministers met with interested parties to
form a mission church at the corner of Ontario St. and Mayer Ave. It was called "the North Buffalo
Mission" and "The North Buffalo United Presbyterian Church." After a few months, a fire made
it necessary to move the church, now with 25 charter members, and they to the back room of a
saloon on Niagara St. and Briggs Avenue. There they worshipped for two years until they
had constructed a church on the corner of Ontario St. and
Gallatin Ave. |
The new church, of grey brick, became known as the Ontario Street United Presbyterian Church.
The Riverside United Presbyterian Church, constructed in 1931
In 1921, the Reverend Littleton E.H. Smith became pastor of the church and would remain so until his death
in 1941. During his tenure, the church constructed a new building around the original structure with classrooms
and auditoriums to accomodate the growing congregation. The church also changed its name to the
Riverside United Presbyterian Church. The new sanctuary ould seat 600. |
Otto Wagner laying the cornerstone in 1931
After a fire, the church was rebuilt in 1943-44.
Church pulpit and choir nave,1953
In 1953, the church celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Congregation in 1953
The congregation created a golden jubilee booklet with photos of busy classrooms, full pews, missionaries, etc. There were more than
1,300 members.
By 1990, membership had dwindled to 150 people. The campus required around $16,000 in roof repairs and interior work and was unable to generate sufficient income to meet its operating expenses. The church held its last service on June 3, 1990, the same Sunday as the Asbury Delaware Methodist Church also held its last service. The church buildings were sold in 1992 to Carruba Tonawanda Land Corporation. The Riverside United Presbyterian Church, during the tenure of Rev. Smith, founded a number of Presbyterian congregations in Western New York: Kenmore, Curtis Park, Elwood, Sheridan Park, Niagara, Hyde Park, Deerhurst, and Cleveland Drive. |