Episcopal Church of the Ascension

You might find it interesting to read that this church was once the temporary home of one of Gilbert Stuart's famous portraits of George Washington. Washington sat for this portrait in 1796, which Stuart painted at First lady Martha Washington's request. Although there were many copies, the one in question was purchased by future president and Father of the US Constitution James Madison in 1804.

It changed hands over the years after Madison and by 1968 it had been donated to Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY. That year, three Theta Chi frat brothers took it in a prank, not knowing what they had done. When they realized the significance of their act, they decided--certainly in a moment of panic--to drive to Buffalo and leave the famous Washington portrait in a pew on the altar side of the church. From there it was discovered and returned to the university.

That famous painting is shortly to be auctioned for sale and I thought you might find this incident worth adding to your Buffalo architecture page.

BTW, the full story of the painting is in the December 18, 2025 edition of the Washington Post, pages A1 and A4.

- David Welker, Dec. 18, 2025