Couple Uncovers Unexpected Treasures in Niagara Falls Church Renovation

The Gurus' plans to open a Kashmir cultural center took an exciting turn.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:13pm

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An extremely blurred, impressionistic photograph showing the warm, glowing interior of an old church, with hints of ornate stained glass windows and intricate wood carvings visible through the hazy, out-of-focus composition.The unexpected discovery of hidden historical treasures has transformed a Niagara Falls church renovation into an exciting preservation project.Niagara Falls Today

Dr. Khurshid Guru and his wife were renovating an old church in Niagara Falls, New York to create the Center for Kashmir, a museum celebrating Kashmiri culture. However, during the renovation process, they uncovered unexpected historical artifacts and architectural details hidden behind the church's walls and ceilings.

Why it matters

The discovery of these hidden treasures has added an exciting new dimension to the Gurus' plans, transforming their museum project into a unique opportunity to preserve and showcase Niagara Falls' rich history and architectural heritage.

The details

As the Gurus began stripping away layers of drywall and plaster, they uncovered ornate stained glass windows, intricate wood carvings, and other architectural elements that had been concealed for decades. These finds have provided valuable insights into the church's past and will now be prominently featured in the Center for Kashmir's exhibits.

  • The Gurus began renovating the old church in early 2026.
  • The unexpected historical discoveries were made during the renovation process in the spring of 2026.

The players

Dr. Khurshid Guru

A local resident who, along with his wife, is leading the effort to transform the old church into the Center for Kashmir, a museum celebrating Kashmiri culture.

Center for Kashmir

The museum project that the Gurus are creating in the renovated church, which will now feature the unexpected historical artifacts and architectural details discovered during the renovation.

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What they’re saying

“We had no idea what treasures were hidden behind those walls. This discovery has really elevated our vision for the Center for Kashmir.”

— Dr. Khurshid Guru, Founder, Center for Kashmir

What’s next

The Gurus plan to carefully preserve and restore the newly uncovered historical elements, incorporating them into the Center for Kashmir's exhibits and design. The museum is still on track to open to the public later this year.

The takeaway

What started as a renovation project to create a new cultural center has turned into an opportunity to uncover and celebrate Niagara Falls' rich architectural history, adding an exciting new dimension to the Gurus' museum plans.