Learn about the historical background of the first European religious services in Pittsburgh and the construction of a new church. Explore the rich history and architectural features of the First Presbyterian Church, including its stunning Tiffany windows and grand pulpit.
The first Protestant religious services in Pittsburgh were held after the establishment of Fort Pitt in 1758, including Anglican and Presbyterian services led by chaplain Charles Beatty.
The original Presbyterian log church was replaced by a new brick church in 1805, which was later replaced by a gothic-style building in downtown Pittsburgh in 1905 that features impressive stained glass windows.
Deep dives
History of First European Religious Services in Pittsburgh
The first European religious services held in Pittsburgh were Catholic services at Fort Duquesne in 1758. The French withdrew from the fort when the British troops arrived. After the establishment of Fort Pitt, the first Protestant religious services were held, including an Anglican service and a Presbyterian service led by chaplain Charles Beatty. By 1773, the Presbyterians reached out to Donegal Presbyterian for their first minister, and they initially met in homes before building a log church in 1787.
Development of First Presbyterian Church Building
The original log church built by the congregation was replaced by a new brick church in 1805. The new church was built around the old log church, allowing them to continue meeting inside it until the new building was finished. The log church was then dismantled and sold for building houses. In 1850, a new building was constructed, and in 1905, the current gothic-style building, located in downtown Pittsburgh, was built. The church features impressive stained glass windows, including 13 from Louis Comfort Tiffany's studio.
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The History of European Religious Services and the Construction of a New Church
What does the battle for Fort Duquesne in 1758 have to do with the emergence of Protestantism in Pittsburgh? Today, Stephen Nichols tells us about how Presbyterianism spread in this region.