Historic church may merge with another

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - It's Buffalo's oldest church, but it's expensive keeping up First Presbyterian on Symphony Circle and the church may soon share space with Trinity Episcopal on Delaware Avenue.

The plan is not set in stone, but it would be unique. Two completely different church denominations would keep their separate identities, but share one building - the Trinity Episcopal church on Delaware.

The Buffalo News reports the congregation at Trinity Episcopal got letters over the weekend informing them the church is in discussion with leaders of the First Presbyterian church on Symphony Circle about sharing staff and programming.

First Presbyterian's congregation turned 200-years-old just last week. It was Buffalo's first church. This plan could see the church sell the building and move to Delaware Avenue.

"It's a magnificent masterpiece by E.B. Green, probably our most significant local architect in the Richardsonian-Romanesque style. He designed it to link up with the Richardson at the other end of Richmond Avenue, which of course if the original Richardsonian building. So the abandonment of this building would be a terrific loss," said Tim Tielman of the Campaign for a Greater Buffalo.

News 4 was unable to get in contact with representatives from either church. The talks are very sensitive and ongoing.