2023 Sacred Sites Tour

Here is a rare opportunity to visit five* of greater Rochester’s most iconic houses of worship as you explore religious architecture that spans over 150 years, from the 1820s to the 1970s. Examples range from historic Gothic Revival edifices to contemporary landmarks by noted architects Louis Kahn and James Johnson.

The five* sites include The Church of St. Luke and St. Simon Cyrene (Episcopal) on S. Fitzhugh Street, St. Michael’s Catholic Church on N. Clinton Avenue, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on East Avenue and Temple Sinai on Penfield Road. See below for an update on the fifth location, First Unitarian Church on S. Winton Road*.

Participants will drive between each tour stop, following a provided schedule of presentations with the first one starting at 1 pm and and the last one concluding at 5 pm. A team of experts will provide commentary at each stop: Joseph Kelly, Professor of Religious Studies (Emeritus) at Nazareth College, Christopher Brandt, Preservation Architect, and Cynthia Howk, Landmark Society Architectural Research Coordinator (retired.)

The Sunday, May 21st tour is strictly limited to 100 participants.

Your ticket also includes a pre-tour lecture on Wednesday May 17th.  The lecture will take place at St. Thomas More Catholic Church sanctuary at 2617 East Avenue in the Town of Brighton.  The church entrance is between Lime Rock Lane and Greenfield Lane, on the opposite side of East Avenue.  Park in the large parking lot adjacent to the church.

For those who prefer to attend the lecture only (and not the Sunday Self-drive tour) a separate lecture ticket is available.

* IMPORTANT NOTE: The First Unitarian Church had a scheduling conflict arise (as can happen with churches), and will not be open for us on Sunday.  We are working with them to schedule visit to their site in June – we will send you an invitation when the date and time are confirmed. 

Thank you so much!

Purchase your tickets below!