From the “Centennial History” by Margery Peffer in Christian Church of Wilkinsburg, Centennial Celebration, 1901–2001, A Century of Serving Christ:
At the beginning of the 20th century, Wilkinsburg was a pleasant community where families could enjoy living in a suburban atmosphere, and still be close enough to Pittsburgh to enjoy the amenities of the big city. Many young families were moving into the Borough, making a new area where a church could be established.
The actual founding of the First Christian Church of Wilkinsburg dates back to November 11, 1900 when Brother H.F. Lutz, under the direction of the American Christian Missionary Society, organized a Bible School in South Ave in a hall on Penn Avenue at Wood Street. A fire several weeks later made the group seek a new meeting place. They were able to meet in the basement of the old Presbyterian Church at the comer of South Avenue and Wood Street. The Bible School continued to prosper through the winter and on March 24, 1901 the auditorium of the church was also rented.
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In 1901, the church members purchased the property in which they had been meeting. . . . The well-organized congregation continued to prosper and called Rev. L.N.D. Wells to be the first regular pastor February 1, 1902. Rev. Wells spearheaded a time of growth for the new church and the membership grew to 300 in March 1903 and to 428 in 1905. . . .
Rev. George W. Knepper came October 8, 1906. It has been noted that Rev. Knepper always wore the traditional silk hat and Prince Albert coat every Sunday—the last minister to do so. . . . He also encouraged activities for young men and women, and a Forensic Society was formed which studied the authors and poets of America. A group of young apprentices in the Educational Department of the Westinghouse Company, who had come from sister churches all over the United States, were drawn to the church, partly by these activities. . . .
One of the most outstanding events in the history of the Christian Church occurred during Rev. Knepper’s pastorale. The International Convention of the Disciples of Christ was held in Pittsburgh from October 11–19, 1909. This occasion also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Brotherhood of the Disciples of Christ, and attracted members from all over the World. A memorable part of Ihe celebration was a communion service at Forbes Field in Oakland, where 36,000 members shared in the Lord’s Supper. Wilkinsburg Church was very involved with the arrangements for this convention. . . .
Rev. Walter Scott Cook accepted the call to be the next pastor, arriving Dccember 11, 1911. His special talent was in imparting a spirit of family consciousness. In this period before the First World War, there was time for friendship and hospitality to mature. . . .
Fire Destroys Church Building
A disastrous fire occurred on Wednesday, January 7, 1915, destroying the church building. On the very next Sunday, services were held in the Colonial Theatre on Wood Street. There were no Sunday movies at this time, needless to say. Other congregations throughout Wilkinsburg provided hymn books, communion sets and offered their rooms for services. An interesting sidelight to the fire was described by Mary Byrne Dawson in her “History of the First Fifty Years of the Wilkinsburg Christian Church"
A Christmas “White Gift” Service was held in the church a few nights before the fire. The auditorium was elaborately decorated in white and green—the work of Mrs. L.E. (Allie) Linderman, whose artistic talents have through many years added beauty to the various seasons and occasions. A cross was prominently located on the rostrum. A high archway back and above the rostrum was accentuated by starry effects. The fire left little but the brick walls. Strange as it may seem, however, the cross on the rostrum remained intact after the fire was over. It did not appear even to be scorched. Newspaper photographers came from Pittsburgh, and the daily papers carried write-ups and portrayed pictures of the cross as it appeared among the ruins.
The members and Rev. Cook remained faithful to the church and in less than two years, the present building on Wallace Avenue was built and dedicated on October 8, 1916. The new building with its beautiful Georgian architecture, complete with a pipe organ, delighted the church members. . . . The men and Rev. Cook painted the basement and classrooms; the women sewed and earned money for furnishings.
World War I
As the United States entered World War I in 1917, the families of the church watched their young men gradually go off for military service. Of the fifty-two who went to war, two were killed in action—David Rankin and Oren Kahle. Dunning Ross died of wounds, and Frank Gash died at home from illness contracted in the service. Mrs. Dawson describes this time in this way: “Each time a group of our boys left, friends and relatives would stand along the familiar route to the Pennsylvania Railroad Station to watch the boys as they marched from Red Cross headquarters on Pennwood Avenue to board the trains for camp.” Rev. Cook kept in contact with each young man who served, presenting each one with a New Testament as he left, and sending weekly letters to each of the fifty-two.
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Belmar Christian Church
The Wilkinsburg Church entered a period of great activity and expansion. Shortly after Rev. Chapman began his ministry [1925], the Belmar Christian Church in Homewood sold its property. Over 100 members transferred their membership to Wilkinsburg, with a similar number joining the East End Christian Church in East Liberty. This new group was soon completely joined in the life and activities of the Wilkinsburg Church, using their talents as elders, deacons, trustees, choir members and teachers.
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The Great Depression (1929—1933)
The stock market crash of October 29, 1929 ended a period of prosperity and saw the beginning of a nation-wide depression. Men and women were without work. There was no welfare, no food stamps, no Social Security. Some families had no income and depended on their neighbors and church for food and clothing. The depression affected the church rolls and contributions. Rev. Chapman left in August 1934.
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Second World War
The Second World War affected the church as it did the entire world. The church honor roll and a beautiful service flag, made by Mrs. L. E. Linderman were a work of love as she embroidered a blue star for each service man, including her two sons. As the war progressed, three gold stars were added to the flag for Lieutenant Paul Bright, who was killed on Guam, Lieutenant Philip Korb, a pilot in the Air Force, and Lieutenant James Hartman, an Air Force bombardier-navigator. There were eighty stars on the service flag. The church members kept in touch with the service men by sending Christmas packages, “Upper Room” booklets, and letters. The women also worked on projects for the Red Cross.
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When Rev. T.J. Mattingly became pastor on November 6, 1946, for the first time in its history, the church had a home to offer to the pastor. . . . Rev. Mattingly initiated the publication of a Year Book, containing reports for the year of all activities and departments of the Church and the Bible School, as well as financial reports. . . .
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The congregation often enjoyed the beautiful playing of Mrs. Dorothy Mattingly on her harp at a number of special events. Members of the congregation who transported the harp between the parsonage and the church remembered carefully negotiating the steep parsonage steps with the bulky musical instrument for years afterwards.
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Educational Building Becomes A Reality
A long time project was finally begun in 1950 when construction was started on the Education Building. The pastor and the building committee, Harry L. Lesher, W.H. Bailey and Wilbur V. Myers, consulted with architects for a year to formulate a plan to provide suitable quarters for the Bible School and Youth activities. At a board meeting in December 1950, the congregation voted to build a two-story Education Building. Mr. Calvin Crawford was selected as contractor and builder and lent his very special expertise to the planning and completion of this project.
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The Korean War June 25, 1950–July 27, 1953
During the Korean War, young men of the congregation served in several branches of the Armed Services. A partial listing in the Christian Visitor of December 1950 showed 11 men in the service, and several others joined the military service before the war was over. A special service was held on Sunday, December 17, 1950 to honor these men, and a service honor roll was placed in the sanctuary. Fortunately, all who served returned safely, so no gold stars were added to the honor roll.
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When the Baptist Church next the High School was destroyed by a fire, the congregation was invited to use our church building while they rebuilt. On the first Sunday of October 1951, the Sunday School children’s classes moved into their lovely new quarters in the Educational Building. The new Fellowship Hall had already been used for two wedding receptions.
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Mrs. Gertrude Gordon completed eleven years as choir director in 1955. Mr. Ted Yearsley became Minister of Music and has served to this date in that important ministry.
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Sixtieth Anniversary
The congregation celebrated its Sixtieth Anniversary from October 8 to 14 October 15, 1961. Rev. and Mrs. Lambent invited all members to attend a lovely tea at the parsonage on October 6 in honor of the occasion. Rev. E.L (Tommy) Thompson, the Regional Minister, gave the Sunday morning message. The choir, under the direction of Mr. E. T. (Ted) Yearsley, with Mrs. Hilda Yearsley at the organ, presented special music at this service and at the concluding service the following Sunday. On Fellowship Night, Friday, October 13, the Westinghouse Male Chorus provided a wonderful evening of song. There was also time for reminiscences, historical movies, exhibits and slides and closing devotions by Lucinda Netting.
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As the year 1963 drew to a close, Mrs. Hilda Adler Yearsley resigned as church organist. During her 40 years of service, she had the opportunity of working with a number of ministers and choir directors and without exception they all praised her for her ability and willingness to use her talents to bring inspirational music to the congregation.
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In responding to community unrest after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the church played a vital role in organizing the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry in 1968. WCM serves as the social service agency for the churches of Wilkinsburg, with programs for children, youth, and seniors. With Rev. Chase, Ted Yearsley, Martha and Courter Mills, and Jack Peffer have given countless volunteer hours to this program and continue to provide leadership as the Ministry expanded its outreach in the community.
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The women of the church began a “New-to-You” sale in 1972 as a once a year event. This was such a popular activity and was continued as a yearly event until 1983 when a permanent New-to-You Shop was opened for one day each week.
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A new Allen organ was purchased with money from the organ fund. It wns dedicated April 8, 1973 to Mrs. Hilda Yearsley to honor her many years of exceptional service.. . . .
The Wilkinsburg Baptist Church and our church shared children’s Sunday School classes and teachers, using both churches. This program continued over a three year program from 1975–1977.Seventy-Fifth Anniversary
On May 22–23, 1976, the seventy-fifth anniversary of the church was celebrated. A banquet in Fellowship Hall featured a special musical program by the Westinghouse Male Chorus, Ted Yearsley directing. On Sunday morning, those who had been members for fifty or more years were honored—twenty-nine in all. Rev. Herbert T. Chase gave the sermon, and Rev. Dwight French, Regional Minister, the closing devotions.
A pictorial directory featuring color photographs was published. The congregation sponsored two Vietnamese families with the Baptist church. . . . Mrs. Susan Muffett became the church organist Sept. 18, 1977.
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Headstart Program
In November 1978, “Headstart” rented space in the church for 5 days a week. This preschool program was funded by Allegheny County, and proved to be a mutual benefit to the church and the children of the community who attended.
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The successful summer program for community youth was continued with Summer Program ’80, organized by Nancy Quailey who was hired as coordinator. The church’s young people were joined by others from the community. They enjoyed the crafts. games and special field trips which were offered. An outdoor movie was shown on the wall of the furniture store on Penn Avenue and 55 attended.. . . .
On November 9, 1980, a luncheon was held to celebrate the 25th anniversary for Ted Yearsley as Minister of Music. Another church milestone was celebrated when the 1981–1982 Yearbook was dedicated to Lucinda Netting, honoring her for over 50 years of teaching—first in the Children’s Department and later for the Friendly Women’s Class and the Fidelis Class. Each of these dedicated members showed us how to put our Christian faith into action, using their special talents for faithful service to the Church.
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Mr. Harold McDonald was hired as custodian beginning in October 1982, and served until October 1999. He followed the fine example of Mr. Francis (Irish) Regan, who had served as custodian for almost twenty years to 1967. Because of the many duties each one performed, our church property received extra care during their years of service. Each would often be seen with paintbrush in hand or taking extra time responding to a special request. The individuals and cleaning services who were hired at other times had a hard time providing the level of care we all had come to expect from our custodian.
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Rev. Richard D. Branaman arrived November 1984 as a single person and was married to Rev. Kristine Light, also a minister, in Omaha, Nebmska in August 1985. Under the leadership of Martha Mills, a Youth Club was formed for children in grades 1–5. They met at the church every Thursday from 4–7 P.M. for games, crafts, Bible Study and a light supper. This active group blossomed in the life of the church. presenting a play at Christmas, singing for worship services and growing in Christian fellowship. Coffee fellowship time after the worship service was begun, and became a permanent friendly hour.
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[1988] Replacing the outside bulletin board was a major project. The committee planned to provide an attractive structure which would proclaim that our building is a church and to make Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) visible as our name. Informally referred to as our “Identity Center,” the unique structure featuring three wooden crosses was finally approved.
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Elder Emeritus
Mr. Talbert Fowler and Miss Lucinda Netting were elected to the office of Elder Emeritus on October 4, 1988 and were installed during a church service on November 11, 1988. No one had been more involved over their lifetime in the work of the Church in Wilkinsburg than our dear Miss Lucinda Netting. . . .She was the first woman Elder, beginning in 1974, serving regularly until she was elected Elder Emeritus. Lucinda was really like an assistant pastor, remembering those who were ill or who had special needs with daily prayer. After her death on July 4, 1998, the congregation established the Lucinda Netting Prayer Room in a room off the sanctuary balcony to honor this wonderful servant of our Lord.
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Rev. Janet Hellner-Burris was asked to be the pastor and came in July, 1990.
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In November 1990, eleven members from the East End Christian Church, which had closed its doors, transferred their memberships to Wilkinsburg. This wonderful group of Christians at once entered fully into the work of the church.
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[1990] When the Louise Child Care Center did not renew their lease with us, the space was rented to the General Education Division of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit for use by the Head Start Program.
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A very moving presentation at Easter time in 1996 was the “Living Picture,” a tableau of the Last Supper, portraying Jesus and the Disciples gathered around the table. All the characters were dressed in appropriate costumes. As each one entered and assumed the positions of the Disciples in the famous DaVinci painting, it brought new meaning to this sacred event. The Christian Callers group was organized and made many visits, both to shut-ins and to prospective members. New Chalice Hymnals were purchased, and brought us the chance to learn new hymns which have become important elements in our worship. During the worship service on September 8,1996, Mr. Ted Yearsley was installed as Elder Emeritus and Mrs. Margaret Hill was installed as Deacon Emeritus.
The One Step program was begun by Pastor Janet in November, 1996. Several tutors and mentors assisted Pastor Janet in this program for seventh and eighth grade students in Wilkinsburg Middle School. The students enjoy the time for recreation and discussions and receive help with class work through group mentoring and one-on-one tutoring in a caring Christian atmosphere. Miss Andrea Gansley-Ortiz was hired as coordinator in 1997, and the program soon expanded to two afternoons a week. Miss Gansley-Ortiz reported on the success of the program, noting how the students had improved many of their academic scores during the year. Mrs. Ann Greider is the current coordinator.
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A sad time for the church and the entire community occurred on March 1, 2000. Three people died of gunshot wounds and two others were wounded 27 during a shooting spree in Wilkinsburg. One of those who died was Rev. Joseph Healy who was well-known and loved by our congregation. He had filled our pulpit many times, using his story-telling skills to bring the message. Pastor Janet led the congregation and the community during a lime of healing, including community services and a prayer vigil after the tragedy. The congregation was honored when Pastor Janet was named Wilkinsburg Citizen of the Year in 2001.
Miracle Day
After the low point of the shooting tragedy, the planning process for Miracle Day raised the spirits of the congregation. After Miracle Day, October 14, 2000, it can easily be said that the Wilkinsburg Christian Church will never be the same again. It seemed incredible that three hundred eighty-six volunteers from all over Pennsylvania arrived to support our ministry and work. Over $37,000 in materials and money was donated, making our Miracle Day one of the largest in the nation. The most visible change is the handicap accessible ramp, informally called the Highway to Heaven. Inside improvements included new sinks in the downstairs kitchen, a handicap accessible rest room on the main level, drop ceilings in several areas, new lighting and built-in shelving for the New-to-You Shop. The pews in the sanctuary were repaired and revarnished. and painting went on everywhere. Outside there is new landscaping all around the building. An amazing sight was the two dumpsters of unneeded materials and trash from the church attic, furnace room, and other areas, that were hauled away. There was such a great spirit throughout the day with many people working in close quarters. The spirit extended into the block party where about 500 volunteers and neighbors were fed hot dogs and hamburgers and were entertained by Christian musical groups and performers. When the evening ended with a worship service and communion, we knew it indeed had been a Miracle Day.
Looking to the Future
No more fitting conclusion could be written for this historical review than to record here the Mission Statement approved by the Church Board on Nov. 14, 1999:
We, the Christian Church of Wilkinsburg, are a family of faith dedicated to welcoming all people in the name of Jesus by:
Sharing the healing message of Jesus Christ, especially to those without a Church home, Encouraging spiritual growth through prayer, relevant worship services, fellowship and Bible study, Celebrating our diversity in age, race, education and gender for every person is a child of God, And serving our community with love by sharing our individual talents and church building. . . . .
The Ministry of Music
Throughout the hundred years of ministry of the Christian Church of Wilkinsburg, the ministry of music has been an equal partner with the ministry of the pulpit. Starting with the early days from 1901–1904, when five young gir1s served as organists, the importance of good music was emphasized. At first, the choir, director of music, and organists were volunteers. At times, the director was paid a modest salary.
During 1907–1908, Mr. T. Earle Yearsley, father of our present Minister of Music, directed the choir and brought his remarkable talents to this great ministry. Mr. Yearsley attracted the attention of music lovers all over the city, and he was sought aftcr by many of the larger churches. He sang in the East End Christian Church choir and became tenor soloist at the Third Presbyterian Church, and later sang at the Shadyside Presbyterian and Christ Methodist Episcopal Church. He was constandy in demand to serve as song leader or soloist for banquets and civic organizations. Mrs. Hilda A. Yearsley, his wife, dedicated all of her exceptional musical talent to the Wilkinsburg Church, serving as organist for over 40 years. When she resigned in 1963, many members felt that this ended an era during which Hilda was “Mrs. Music” to the church.
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Other directors served for short periods of time. Mr. J.H. Lister was choir director for over six years until his sudden death July 1, 1933. His daughter Gertrude, Mrs. Henry R. Gordon, later became choir director from 1944 to 1955. She will always be remembered for her lovely trained soprano voice and for directing with a fine sense of expression.
Mr. E. T. Yearsley (Ted) became Minister of Music in 1955 and has served continuously for more than 45 years. Ted has provided such a high standard of church music, working with the pastor and organist to select suitable hymns, responses, anthems and cantatas. The beautiful special music for the weeks leading up to Easter and the Christmas Season required hours of rehearsal by all. At times, instrumental players presented special numbers—Tracy Muffett Mills and Pastor Janet playing the flute and Kenneth Polk on the trombone. Their playing always enhanced the sacred quality of the musical program. When Ted was honored Nov. 9, 1980 for serving as Minister of Music for 25 years, it was only the beginning! The year 2000 marked the 45th year of his devoted service to this ministry.
After Mrs. Hilda Yearsley retired in 1963, a number of organists served for short periods of time. Then on September 18, 1977, we were fortunate to have 30 Mrs. Susan Muffett bring her great musical ability to the console as our organist. Susan joined Mrs. Yearsley as we remember her fine interpretation of the great organ literature, bringing preludes, interludes and music for special occasions. Many members of the choir have given years of service, faithfully attending weekly choir practices and singing in special cantatas at Easter and Christmas. Visitors and members alike often comment on the splendid selections presented by the choir.
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The choir has participated every year in “Wilkinsburg Sings at Christmas”, a program sponsored by the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry. Held at a different Church each year, the program is supported by many congregations in the community. The choirs each present one or two Christmas numbers, giving the audience the pleasure of enjoying a variety of fine musical presentations. . . .
When Mrs. Susan Muffett resigned in September 2000, the congregation honored her with a luncheon and gifts in appreciation of her twenty-three years of dedication to this special ministry given for the glory of God.
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The Friendly Women’s Bible Class was first known as the Young Women’s Bible Class. It had only a few members when Mrs. Nora Belle Lee became the teacher in 1919. As she continued over the next 30 years, the class grew in size under her leadership. The class members were such a vital part of the church life. They raised funds for church projects. They supported the outreach ministry with contributions to Bethany College, the Seay Home, the YMCA. and many others. They were very attentive to the sick and shut-ins, sending flowers and cards and making personal calls. Members were true to their class motto “In friendship serving one another." The class colors were blue and gold, and the class flower was the forget-me-not.
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A Wonderful Heritage
Some of our members recall these events in their church life:
- Riding a streetcar to church for five cents.
- Meeting for Sunday School in the classrooms in the old house which was attached to the church building before the new addition was built in 1951.
- Sunday School picnics at the School for the Deaf in Edgewood, and laler al Laurelview and Forest Hills Park.
- Christian Endeavor meetings for young people on Sunday afternoons.
- Bethany Class weekends at Laurelview in October and in the winter. At times more than 60 people were present for wonderful fellowship.
- The prayer vigil after the shootings in Wilkinsburg on March 1, 2000.
- Measuring how you and later your children or grandchildren had grown in height compared to our dear Lucinda Netting. It was a real milestone to be taller than Lucinda.
- Plays directed by Lucy Ellis, presented by members of the Arnica Class.
- The Service Flag made by Mrs. L.E. Linderman.
- Corn roasts at Alf and Lois Henderson’s home.
- Plays presented by the Bethany Class.
- Visits from Santa Claus during the Christmas party, provided by Mr. Waller Walters for many years.
- The time Santa got a parking ticket.
- The beautiful altar flowers supplied from the garden of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Myers.
Do You Know???
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Largest number of members on the roll
October 1930—620 on the roll. . . .
The congregation continues to be very involved in the community, and has a leadership role in the Wilkinburg Sanctuary Project for Peace and the Martin Luther King Prayer Vigil. The Sanctuary Project encourages youth to be active in the arts and has a community chaplain program. The Project works with the Wilkinsburg Youth Project and Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh to offer summer jobs. A gun buy back program has been successful in getting hundreds of guns off the streets. The Sanctuary Project brings together a number of congregations in the area to work for peace.
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Wilkinsburg Public Library Digital Archives:
Margery Peffer, “Centennial History” in Christian Church of Wilkinsburg, Centennial Celebration, 1901–2001, A Century of Serving Christ.”