History of Saint Simon's Episcopal Church In Buffalo New York

It began as a dream. A dream envisioned by several Episcopal families in the neighborhood. First, a Ladies' Aid Society, home prayer meetings held by Doctor Charles Smith, Rector of Saint James, and in 1898, Saint Simon's Mission. The first meeting of the Mission was held in an upper room of William J. Eyring's Grocery Store on Seneca Street at Cazenovia on a site that was later occupied by the Shea Seneca Theater.

The dream grew and more space was needed. The congregation moved to Kingdom Hall at Seneca and Kingston Streets. A Sunday School and Women's Auxiliary began.

The dream flourished and space again was cramped. A building fund was established and a lot purchased on Glendhu Avenue. Finally in 1903, the church was completed at the grand price of $4,800. The Rt. Reverend William Walker officiated at the dedication. Such love and devotion went into this little church that to this day it is still a House of God.

The dream was still being nurtured by Doctor Smith and was still growing. In 1905, it became a parish. The Reverend Edwin J. Stevens was called as the first Rector, and preached his first sermon in the new church on March 1, 1905. Under his leadership, the dream set down deep roots. From them grew a Saint Andrew's Brotherhood, the Young Ladies Guild, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Dorcas Circle and a choir. An altar and pipe organ were purchased, and a rectory built. Melvin W. Elliott was the first baby baptized in this church. He contributed much to Saint Simon's, including 50 years of service on the Vestry.

Still it grew. By 1917, it was evident even more room was needed. Fund drives were held over the next eleven years, and a building committee commissioned Robert North, the well known church architect, to draw up plans for a new church on a site purchased on Cazenovia Street. The cornerstone of the new church was laid on September 27, 1925 by The Rt. Reverend Charles Henry Brent, Bishop of Western New York.

It did not seem possible that World War I would reach the parish, but even before the call came, the young men and women of Saint Simon's were offering their lives to their country. Forty-one joined the ranks of the Army and Navy. Two paid the supreme sacrifice in battle - Captain Arthur Schlosser and Edward Petrie. Douglas Nattress and George Johnson died in service.

The dream had become a reality. The church grew from 49 members to over 600, from a rented room to a magnificent Gothic church, from a wish for fellowship to a well-spring of love.

After thirty-one years of devoted service, the Reverend Edwin J. Stevens resigned as Rector on December 31, 1935. On September 1, 1936, the Reverend William C. Baxter accepted the call to become the second Rector of Saint Simon's. On February 1, 1941, Father Baxter resigned to become Rector of Saint John's, Manila, Philippine Islands.

On April 1, 1941, the Reverend Glenn H. Blackburn accepted the call to become the third Rector of Saint Simon's. Unfortunately for the parish, Doctor Blackburn's tenure was of short duration. In less than two months, he was called to serve in the U.S. Army. As The U.S. was not involved in World War II, there were high hopes of his returning to Saint Simon's. However, within a year, we were involved in the war, and all hopes of his returning were gone. On August 15, 1941, the Reverend Norman B. Quigg accepted a call to become Priest-in-charge during the interim period. On February 7, 1942, Doctor Blackburn resigned as Rector.

The Reverend Francis Blackwelder accepted the call to become the fourth Rector of Saint Simon's on September 1, 1942. He soon put the parish in motion again, and the attendance grew to the point where we found it necessary to erect a balcony in the rear of the church. On May 31,1948, Mr. Blackwelder resigned to become Rector of All Souls Church in Washington, D.C.

The Reverend Clark W. MacElmury was called as the fifth Rector of Saint Simon's on July 19, 1948 and resigned on October 1, 1950.

The Reverend H. Russell Barker was called as the sixth Rector of Saint Simon's on December 27, 1950. During Father Barker's tenure, the new 17 rank Tellers pipe organ was installed in the balcony. Saint Simon's again became a very vibrant parish, and parishioners again responded to sound leadership. Father Barker resigned on October 31, 1958 to become the Rector of Saint Matthias Church, East Aurora, New York.

The Rev. Harold F. Woolcott was called as the seventh Rector of Saint Simon's on February 1, 1959. In 1964 the church experienced a fire, with no structural damage to the church, but much to the parish hall. This was restored, and a new Educational Wing built in 1965. Under Father Woolcott's direction, a Nursery School was started in 1971, and has proven very successful. Father Woolcott resigned as Rector on September 30, 1974 due to a prolonged illness. During Father Woolcott's illness, and following his resignation, the following Priests served as supply: The Reverend Phillip Holmes, The Reverend Michael Stott, The Reverend Alec Pudwell, The Reverend Frederick Kates, and The Reverend Canon D. Peter Burrows.

The Reverend Russell A. Newbert was called as the eighth rector of Saint Simon's on November 1, 1975 where he served until his retirement in 1999.  In the mid-1980's a "Free Standing" altar was adopted, by moving the existing altar.  The Sanctuary was also renovated at that time, a new raised floor was constructed, and the chancel area was made smaller.  This was a major change for Saint Simon's, historically and functionally. Father Newbert is still very active in Numerous community and Diocesan organizations.

The Reverend Charles Deacon served as Interim Rector during 1999 and 2000.

The Reverend Ralph W. Strohm was called as the ninth Rector of Saint Simon's on June 3, 2000.

In 2003 four pews were removed from the front of the church, creating a small Cathedral like feel in the building.  This was done to make more room for handicapped seating, baptisms, and various forms of music.  Four pews were also removed from the back under the balcony to make more room for hospitality and greeting people.  The removed pews were used around the church and in the Children's Chapel.

Saint Simon's Episcopal Church celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2005!