Columbarium-Cemetery
St. Francis of Assisi parish is very fortunate to have a beautifully restored historic landmark to grace our campus. Father Frances Stephen Uhrich saw a need for a permanent church in the growing City of Tonawanda. The original church was constructed in 1862 predominantly by the fathers of young men fighting the Civil War. These dedicated volunteers built the church with stone from the Lockport-Medina quarries, creating stone walls eighteen inches thick without the aid of contractor or architect. This church was named after St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Father Uhrich.
By 1954 our congregation had grown making it necessary to construct the current church on Broad Street. The old church was then used as a school gymnasium for a period of time and eventually as a storage room. Thanks to a devoted team of workers the old church became a restoration project in 1990. Bishop Edward D. Head rededicated the Chapel upon its completion on October 6, 1993. Now referred to as the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel it is used for daily Mass, small weddings and funerals. It also houses a columbarium for cremated ashes.
By 1954 our congregation had grown making it necessary to construct the current church on Broad Street. The old church was then used as a school gymnasium for a period of time and eventually as a storage room. Thanks to a devoted team of workers the old church became a restoration project in 1990. Bishop Edward D. Head rededicated the Chapel upon its completion on October 6, 1993. Now referred to as the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel it is used for daily Mass, small weddings and funerals. It also houses a columbarium for cremated ashes.
ST. FRANCIS CEMETERY
St. Francis Cemetery was founded in 1867 by Father Uhrich. A list of those interred is available at:
http://nedschim0.tripod.com/tonaroots/id3.html
The cemetery is located at Main and Kohler streets in the City of Tonawanda. It is maintained by a staff of volunteers who always welcome new members.
St. Francis Cemetery was founded in 1867 by Father Uhrich. A list of those interred is available at:
http://nedschim0.tripod.com/tonaroots/id3.html
The cemetery is located at Main and Kohler streets in the City of Tonawanda. It is maintained by a staff of volunteers who always welcome new members.
