Five Ravaged 1st United Presbyterian Church Tuesday; Damage Is $25,000
Worst Blaze In Many Years Destroys Brand New Organ;
Firemen Fought Flames For Over Four Hours
March 14, 1941
This is turning out to be the worst winter for fires that the borough has had in many a year.
On top of a tragic $6,000 fire on Montview Place three weeks ago, as a result of which a little girl lost her life, flames Tuesday night ravaged the 45-year-old First United Presbyterian Church, at Wood street and North avenue, completely destroying its new $2,500 organ and doing damage estimated at being anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000.
The fire broke out Tuesday night at 11 o'clock, apparently somewhere within the organ, burned through to the air shaft behind the organ and swept toward the roof. In just a few moments after the fire was reported, firemen said that flames were shooting through the roof and going 30 and 40 feet into the night sky, where their glow cold be seen for blocks.
The building was tightly closed to prevent further drafts, but with the headway the flames had already gained, the firemen were hard pressed to keep it from leveling the building all-together and perhaps taking a neighboring house with it. Both companies fought the blaze for more than four hours and it was not until 3:30 in the morning that it was finally brought under control.
Meantime Wood street traffic was snarled, autos were detoured, and after the firelines were established, only street cars were allowed to go out Wood street for fear the red-brick walls might crumble and collapse.
The flames ate away the roof of the church, leaving a gap ten feet wide across the entire building. Practically all the rest of the damage was in the auditorium, where the fire held sway, and in the basement which was almost flooded by water coming down from overhead.
A brick wall behind the organ separated the Sunday school room from the auditorium and it was this that prevented the fire from laying bare the whole building. Completely destroyed, however, was the brand new chime organ that was the particular pride and joy of the church, as well as the beautiful chancel and the entire front of the auditorium. What is left of the ceiling is blackened with smoke, seemingly acres of carpet are ruined, and more brand new carpet in the Sunday school room is disconsolately char-red and water-soaked.
Chief Sam Jeffries reported that there had been no fire in the furnace all day Tuesday and that the apparent cause of the blaze was a short circuit in the motor of the organ. A splendid new instrument, the organ had been installed only a little more than a year.
An announcement was made yesterday that no attempt would be made to hold services elsewhere this Sunday. It was believed that the chapel could be put into shape for temporary use within a week or ten days and that it would be adequate for the congregation The entire loss was believed covered by insurance.
One of the first to arrive on the scene Tuesday night was Rev. James Best, who has been pastor of the church since 1928. The church has a congregation of about 800. It was originally built in 1883, was burned down in 1895 and was immediately rebuilt, being finished the following year. Dr. Best praised the firemen for their fine work in preventing the fire from ravaging the entire church.
Rebuilt 1st U. P. Church To Be Dedicated Sunday
Building Has Been Completely Restyled At A Cost of $45,000 After Disastrous Fire Last Year
February 13, 1942
Almost gutted by flames here one night early last year, the rebuilt and completely redecorated First United Presbyterian Church at the corner of Wood street and North avenue will be dedicated anew with a week-long program of worship services scheduled to get under way this Sunday morning.
There will be a dedicatory service on Sunday, followed by a preaching mission all next week and climaxed by the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper next Sunday, March 1, Dr. James Best, pastor of the church, said this week.
The fire, which struck in the wee small hours of the morning and which was apparently due to faulty wiring, did something like $35,000 damage to the church. All this, however, has been repaired and the building has undergone structural operations and adopted a new architectural style that has lent a new character and a new beauty to the 50-year-old edifice.
The first church was built where the present structure now stands in 1883. In 1892, it was enlarged and rededicated, but in 1895, the building was almost entirely destroyed by fire. The present building was originally dedicated in 1896 and stood without alteration until the first last March 11. In the intervening months, however, it has been restored at a cost of almost $45,000, of which $27,000 was recovered in fire insurance. The balance was pledged by members of the congregation and the greatest portion of it has already been paid in.
The restoration has resulted in extensive structural work above the ceiling of the auditorium, the roof is partially new, an entirely new ceiling and new walls have been put in the auditorium and vestibules, there is a new carpet in the auditorium, also a new seating arrangement with wider aisles and an enlarge pulpit platform and choir loft, a new Moller pipe organ has been installed, the educational department likewise has a new roof, there is a new oak floor in the basement, and an entirely new lighting system throughout the building.
The architectural style used in designing the church auditorium is Romanesque, dictated by the style and form of the existing structure.
The Romanesque style is based on Roman art and grew up on the decay of the Roman Empire. The early Christian churches used this style, and were largely instrumental in its development up to the time of the introduction of the pointed arch, or Gothic style, in the thirteenth century. The most outstanding characteristics of the style are the round arches, the square towers and the cross shaped plans.
Due to replacement of secondary roof timbers damaged by the fire, an opportunity was presented to change the ceiling shapes to the simple semi-circular vaults and arches which give the room its character and proportion, and help to create an atmosphere of greater intimacy.
Restraint in the use of ornament and decoration is notable. The main wall surfaces are left unusually plain and contrast with the organ grilles and the colors of the panel on the adjoining wall. The palm branch used in the design of the organ grilles can be said to denote triumph or rejoicing in victory. The panel on the back wall recalls the blue in the stained glass windows and with the lily ornament, can also be said to symbolize purity and truth.
The surfaces of the vaulted ceiling have been covered with a permanent acoustical material intended to both absorb sound and serve as insulation.
The Building Committee for the restoration of the church was: Elmer B. Hankey, chairman, Charles H. Boyd, Sr., H. W. Daugherty, M. W. Ghen, Norman MacLeod, W. G. Marshall, C. A. Mechesney, C. F. G. Provan, and S. A. Taylor. The Finance Committee was: H. W. Daughtery, chairman, Hugh Connolly, treasurer, and Miss Sara J. Jamison, secretary. The architects were Hoffman and Crumpton while the Hoffman Co. was general contractor.
At the dedicatory service on Sunday, Dr. Best has has announced, the sermon will be delivered by Dr. R. L. Lanning, moderator of the general assembly of the United Presbyterian Church.
The preaching mission will start Sunday evening when Prof. C. J. Williamson will preach and the cappella choir of the High School directed by Robert O. Barkley will sing. Tuesday evening at 8, the mission will be resumed and Rev. R. J. G. McKnight will preach, on Wednesday, Dr. Williamson will speak again; Thursday night, Dr. J. W. Watson will be the guest preacher; and on Friday, Dr. J. A. Pollock will preach.
Sunday morning at 11, the rededication will be climaxed with a holy communion service.
Wilkinsburg Public Library Digital Archives:
“Five Ravaged 1st United Presbyterian Church Tuesday; Damage Is $25,000,” March 14, 1941.
“Rebuilt 1st U. P. Church To Be Dedicated Sunday,” February 13, 1942.