A historic Catholic landmark in Buffalo, New York, has once again become the center of attention after authorities confirmed that a second fire in less than a week was intentionally set, raising fresh concerns about the future of the longtime house of worship.
St. Ann’s Catholic Church, a towering Gothic-style church that has stood in Buffalo since 1886, was permanently closed by the Catholic Diocese in August 2024. After sitting vacant, the property was sold for $250,000 to an Islamic community, which has announced plans to convert the historic church into a mosque.
Now, just as redevelopment plans have drawn public interest, the former church has been struck by yet another suspicious blaze.
