Its interior was gutted by fire in 1888, and was redesigned thereafter by Robert W. Gibson, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987 for its architecture.

In 1848, vestrymen of St. Paul's in Buffalo formed a building committee to erect a new stone church.

Being familiar with architect Richard Upjohn's work through his recently completed Trinity Church in New York City, they desired no other architect for the job, and immediately engaged Upjohn for the commission.

[3] Major structural events:[4][5][6][7] The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in 1973.

The altar is of Mexican onyx, and the chancel furnishings is of oak, all designed by Robert Gibson.