Godfrey Frohe
Dutch-born Godfrey Frohe founded his stained glass studio on the Terrace in 1866, later moving it to Broadway. The firm decorated many German Catholic, and other ethnic churches throughout the Niagara Frontier. It won international recognition with a medal for excellence at the 1882 Paris Exposition. The St. Mary's windows, depicting scenes from the life of the virgin Mary, were among the firm's finest works.
Stained Glass Window Lights, from St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Broadway and Pine, Buffalo, Frohe Art Glass, Buffalo, ca 1900-1905.
A vow made in 1836, during a November storm on the Atlantic, was the seed for the building of Maria Hilf Chapel. Joseph Batt, from Alsace, was sailing to America with his family when the fateful storm struck and he made his vow to Maria Hilf. In 1853, Joseph fulfilled his vow and completed a small chapel that soon became the site of pilgrimages that continue to this day. The chapel was enlarged in 1871 and once more in 1926. In October 1890 this church became the first parish in Cheektowaga.
Above the alter is this painting of Maria Hilf keeping watch over the ship and the Batt family as they struggle through the November storm. The painting was done by Godfrey Frohe in 1869.