First Presbyterian Church (Pittsburgh) Explained

Denomination:Presbyterian
Church Name:First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh
Country:United States
Location:320 Sixth AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15222
Coordinates:40.4415°N -79.9991°W

The First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh is an active congregation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. The church structure in use today was completed in 1905.[1]

Architecture

The church structure, designed by architect Theophilus Parsons Chandler, was built in 1905 in the neo-Gothic (Gothic-revival) style. 13 of the 253 stained-glass windows were hand-painted by Tiffany Studios. The main worship hall also feature a pair of 30 foot, two-ton oak doors, still in operation, which can be rolled open to the choir.[2]

History

An exact date for the formation of the congregation may never be known. There is evidence going back as far as 1783 in the account of Mr. John Wilkins:

. . . I arrived in Pittsburgh November 10 . . . it seemed odd to me that the Presbyterian ministers were afraid to come to the place . . . something ought to be done toward establishing a Presbyterian church in this place and encourage it. After some time a Rev. Samuel Barr came to town and preached a few sermons. We seemed pleased with him and made him an offer, which he accepted, and was ordained in what is now called the First Presbyterian congregation in Pittsburgh.[3]
A bill was passed in the Legislative Assembly at Philadelphia to incorporate a Presbyterian Congregation in Pittsburgh on 29 September 1787.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: First Presbyterian Church Historic Pittsburgh. historicpittsburgh.org. en. 2018-08-10.
  2. News: Old Pittsburgh Churches are a Sight to See - Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. 2010-11-29. Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. 2018-08-10. en-US. 2018-10-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20181029153123/http://phlf.org/2010/11/29/old-pittsburgh-churches-are-a-sight-to-see/. dead.
  3. Book: First Presbyterian Church (Pittsburgh, Pa). Centennial Volume of the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, PA., 1784 .. 1884. Wm. G. Johnston & Co., Printers. New York Public Library. English.
  4. Book: First Presbyterian Church (Pittsburgh, Pa). Centennial Volume of the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, PA., 1784 .. 1884. Wm. G. Johnston & Co., Printers. New York Public Library. English.