2 Albion churches featured on Sacred Sites tour this weekend

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 May 2015 at 12:00 am

File photos by Tom Rivers – The Pullman Memorial Universalist Church includes this stained-glass window of “Christ the Consoler.” It is an early work by the famed Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company.

ALBION – Historic churches around the state this weekend are opening their doors to showcase the architectural wonders inside the buildings.

There are 125 churches on the “Sacred Sites” tour, including two in Albion: First Presbyterian and Pullman Memorial Universalist. This is the fifth annual “Sacred Sites” tour in New York, an event aimed to raise public appreciation for the churches as community treasures with stained-glass windows, pipe organs, ornately carved pews, decorative paintings and murals.

The New York Landmarks Conservancy is spearheading the Sacred Sites tour. The organization provides grants to churches in New York. The two Albion churches are among the recipients of Sacred Sites awards.

Sacred Sites offers New Yorkers the chance to experience the beautiful religious art and architecture throughout the area. The event is also intended to assist religious institutions in promoting their history, cultural programming and social services.

The First Presbyterian Church in Albion recently completed a $300,000 renovation and restoration of its interior, including work on the rose window.

The Pullman church is located at 10 East Park St. and will be open for tours today and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The church was built in 1894 with money from railroad manufacturer George Pullman, who grew up in Albion. The building is an excellent example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style, the NY Landmarks Conservancy stated. The church has 41 Tiffany stained-glass windows including one of “Christ the Consoler” that was featured in Tiffany brochures in 1898.

The First Presbyterian Church will be open from noon to 3 p.m. both days at 29 East State St. The Presbyterian Church was built in 1874 and includes a 175-foot-high spire, the tallest structure in Orleans County.

For more information on “Sacred Sites,” click here.