OUT OF THE PAST

Buffalo News,   June 27, 1999  by Sharon Cantillon

       As other nuns wave streamers in the procession, Sister Margaret Wetzel holds aloft the box that was recovered Saturday from the cornerstone of St. Mary of the Angels Convent, 400 Mill St., Williamsville. The contents of the cornerstone, laid on Aug. 14, 1927, included a 48-star flag, local newspapers, coins, religious medals and a tiny statue of St. Joseph. The Williamsville Franciscans are holding their last gathering at the present convent this weekend. In late fall, the sisters move into a new motherhouse at 201 Reist St., Williamsville. The sisters also conducted a land ritual, a prayer service marking the transfer of 85 acres of their property to New York State and the Town of Amherst for use as a park.