From Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church 1896–1996
November 1999 will see the celebration of the 75th anniversary of our sanctuary. This final phase of construction tied together the original prayer chapel of 1896 and its addition of 1911.
So much has happened in the ensuing years, but Mifflin Avenue has stood firm. Our church was here through the Great Depression, World War II, Korea, the Vietnam conflict and the recent Gulf Wars. It has withstood the vast transferring and migration of families to the suburbs in the 60’s and 70’s. It has seen the demise of the steel industry and changes in the corporate institutions, which affected the lives of thousands. The vast changes in the moral and social conduct of all individuals has been a supreme test to the church. The needs of our pastors, financially and spiritually are looked at differently than 75 or 103 years ago. The infrastructure of all our various groups and committees within the church are in a constant changing mode.
Mifflin Avenue is now connected to our congregation and the outside world not only by phone but by fax and computer. Still, our doors are open daily for use by the community, and we take pride in our involvement with the area that surrounds us. As we celebrate this anniversary and look forward to the new millennium, this family of Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church know in their hearts that OUR church will always be here to provide spiritual growth and leadership in the future, what ever occurs, just as it has done in its past.
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The village of Wilkinsburg was growing. In 1887 it was the first borough in the state of Pennsylvania. The homes were equipped with natural gas and water and sixty subscribers had telephone service. James Kelly, a large landowner, had petitioned to make it a dry town. It was to be a "religious town."
The first Methodist church in the area was established in 1832 on Braddock Avenue in Swissvale. The congregation in 1843 built a small brick building on Wallace Avenue in Wilkinsburg. The church was later enlarged and in 1865 became known as Wilkinsburg Methodist Episcopal Church. As the town grew so did the church and in 1892 a new church was erected on South Avenue.
The Pennsylvania Railroad laid tracks through the town in 1852 and this played a great role in the need of a Methodist church on the west side of town. This part of the borough, along with adjacent plans in Pittsburgh and Swissvale, was rapidly developing into what we now know as Regent Square. Originally this land had been the site of a famous cricket grounds along with many large estates.
Methodist families had to cross the very dangerous railroad tracks to worship at South Avenue. This situation prompted discussion of establishing a church on the west side of the borough. Under the leadership of Rev. Charles Miller camp meetings had been held in good weather in an area known as McKee’s Grove. In 1895 the Methodist Church Union donated three lots at the corner of Mifflin Avenue and Henrietta Street with the blessing of South Avenue. A brick mission chapel was built on the middle lot at a cost of $6,200. On Sunday April 19, 1896, Mifflin Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated. Rev. Homer D. Whitfield was the first pastor of the seventy member congregation. On July 16 of the same year the new church became a legal corporation. Ten men willingly served as trustees. They were: John Mclntosh, Charles Capper, D.D. Stoner, Albert J. Sargent, C.L. Gildersleeve, W.A. Lindsay, James H. Barton, G.E. Biythe, D.K. Murray and J.R. Anderson.
In 1903 a ten room brick parsonage was built on the end lot at a cost of $6,000. This has served as a home to all of our ministers and their families. Shortly after the parsonage was completed the church paid $300 toward the paving of Henrietta Street, now called Whitney Street.
The Pennsylvania Railroad laid tracks through the town in 1852 and this played a great role in the need of a Methodist church on the west side of town. This part of the borough, along with adjacent plans in Pittsburgh and Swissvale, was rapidly developing into what we now know as Regent Square. Originally this land had been the site of a famous cricket grounds along with many large estates.
Methodist families had to cross the very dangerous railroad tracks to worship at South Avenue. This situation prompted discussion of establishing a church on the west side of the borough. Under the leadership of Rev. Charles Miller camp meetings had been held in good weather in an area known as McKee’s Grove. In 1895 the Methodist Church Union donated three lots at the corner of Mifflin Avenue and Henrietta Street with the blessing of South Avenue. A brick mission chapel was built on the middle lot at a cost of $6,200. On Sunday April 19, 1896, Mifflin Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated. Rev. Homer D. Whitfield was the first pastor of the seventy member congregation. On July 16 of the same year the new church became a legal corporation. Ten men willingly served as trustees. They were: John Mclntosh, Charles Capper, D.D. Stoner, Albert J. Sargent, C.L. Gildersleeve, W.A. Lindsay, James H. Barton, G.E. Biythe, D.K. Murray and J.R. Anderson.
In 1903 a ten room brick parsonage was built on the end lot at a cost of $6,000. This has served as a home to all of our ministers and their families. Shortly after the parsonage was completed the church paid $300 toward the paving of Henrietta Street, now called Whitney Street.
By 1910 the congregation had grown to 400 members with an equal number of children in Sunday school. The need for additional space prompted the trustees to plan for a complete church. This would include an auditorium and Sunday school rooms. It was the trustees’ judgement to undertake only part of the project. The original chapel was transformed into an auditorium with classrooms on the main floor and balcony level, thus making space for Sunday school and worship. Additions to the front and rear of the original building gave additional space and also set the tone for the future exterior design of the church. The altered building was dedicated November 26, 1911. During the construction period services were held in a circus tent erected on the corner lot on the opposite side of Mifflin Avenue. (The white brick home now there was built by the Capper-Peterson family and Charles Capper lived his last days there.) Eight ministers served the congregation until 1921 when Rev. McKnight arrived, at which time our membership was 480. Rev. McKnight envisioned a growth in four years to one thousand. It became plain that the increase in membership necessitated the need to complete the building plans presented in 1911.
A building and special finance committee was appointed in 1922. It was recognized that ours should be a community church and should be attractive to young and old alike. Following the communion service on Sunday, March 4, 1923, the congregation assembled on the lawn on the corner for the turning of the first spade of earth. Bill McKechnie, a member of Mifflin Avenue and a choir member, turned over the spade at the ground breaking in 1923. (Mr. McKechnie played baseball for 11 years and was a manager for 25 years. He won pennants in three cities including the 1925 Pittsburgh Pirates. McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Florida was named for him.) That afternoon every home was visited by the men in the church to receive pledges for the building fund. In the evening a great ldquo;Jubilee Service” was held at which time a full report was made.
The outside of the building was a rugged architecture of stone which was combined with restrained and delicate gothic ornamentation. The structure was well constructed from the foundation up to the top of the bell tower. In the tower was a set of sixteen Deagan Tower Chimes, presented by Charles Capper in memory of his wife. The chimes were played from a small console located beside the organ and were played for many years by Miss Corrine Crawford, calling all to worship.
Wide steps lead to the main doors into the narthex, which makes a pleasing entry into the main sanctuary. This was designed to seat nearly a thousand persons all facing the pulpit and choir with an uninterrupted view. Above the choir loft a beautiful gothic screen conceals the chambers of the wonderful Kimball organ. In reality this instrument contains five separate organs: Great, Swell, Choir, Echo and Pedal. The Echo Organ is enclosed in a sound proof chamber above the ceiling over the balcony. A seven and a half horsepower compound electric blower is installed in a specially built room in the basement of the old building so that no sound reaches the auditorium. There are several thousand pipes of both wood and metal that vary in length from a half foot to sixteen feet.
Three bronze chandeliers hang from the great dome vaultings. Magnificent stained glass windows, all designed and executed by J. Horace Rudy of York, Pennsylvania, fill the sanctuary with a full palette of color.
A sound mind in a healthy body is a concept that was embraced by the building committee in 1923. The idea met with some opposition. It was argued that the major space allotted for limited activities did not warrant the expense. The gym boosters prevailed and the proposed plan was approved. The facility provided a gym with showers, bowling alleys, Boy Scout accommodations and a fully equipped kitchen and dining room. A balcony encircled the lower level providing classroom space and a gallery for spectators.
The total cost was close to $200,000 not including gifts and memorials. A mortgage of $137,000 was secured and until 1929 payments including interest proceeded as planned. With the Depression of the early 30’s it became quite difficult to keep up payments, but never once did the church fault on interest payment. Much is owed to the dedicated families who struggled to save our church at that time. The final payment was made in 1946 and the mortgage was burned on the Fiftieth Anniversary. The interest paid on the loan was approximately $110,000.
Mifflin Avenue was now a complete church facility. The depression years took its toll on all, but the church continued to grow as it welcomed all who came. Just as the country was recovering the war in Europe erupted and soon found us involved in a second World War. The men and women of Mifflin Avenue served proudly. Their names and the names of all who served before and in future conflicts are proudly displayed. As in any home certain repairs are always needed, but due to the war and lack of supplies all work on the building was kept to a minimum during this time.
In 1949 the original chapel was remodeled. The chancel area was removed and a new ceiling and lights were installed. The walls were covered with wood paneling and several classrooms were enclosed. The shower rooms off the gym were removed and a special choir rehearsal room was designed. Also at this time a large illuminated cross was added to the church tower.
By 1958 the original spring that made McKee’s Grove so popular and which was supposedly channeled when the main building was designed had taken its toll on the bowling alleys. The popular alleys were removed and paneled classrooms were built. Again the spring was channeled and again in the years to come it continued to resist all efforts to contain its flow. By 1963 the church was starting to show its age. It became evident that in order to meet new fire and building codes much of the building needed improvements. Under the wise leadership of Rev. George Crooks a most ambitious renovation was started. The entire middle section of the original chapel was removed from roof to ground. Three new floors were constructed to make efficient use of the space. New restrooms and fireproof stairways were installed. The lower level off the gym balcony was designed as adult class and meeting rooms. The original chapel on the main floor was converted into the John Wesley parlor with a small kitchen on one side. The front rooms were retained as offices. The rear room on this level became St. Luke’s Chapel. The chapel is a modern design. The stained glass memorial windows depict life, death and man’s response to peace and brotherhood. The pews and chancel furniture are done in Honduras mahogany. It seats fifty and is used for the 8:30 a.m. service and for weddings, communion and baptisms.
The second floor over the original chapel was divided into three classrooms with sliding partitions. Along with the front and rear rooms this gave us ample space for the childrens’ activities.
The main sanctuary also was remodeled. Several rows of front pews were removed to make room for a new communion rail whose shape follows the Christian symbol of the fish. It surrounds a memorial altar, pulpit and baptismal.
This was a huge undertaking, but once again the family of Mifflin Avenue came together, and the cost of $300,000 was discharged in approximately 6 years.
The original plan of 1965 for renovation was divided into two parts and by 1973 the need to start the second stage was felt. The Board of Trustees’ survey of the remaining area of the church showed that the most in need were the recreational and kitchen areas. Thus began an $80,000 project that would see the gym floor replaced, the kitchen equipment updated, restrooms remodeled, and yes, again the spring was thought to be properly channeled.
By the early 90’s the spring again caused severe dampness, but once again the Trustees hope they have permanently solved the problem that has plagued us for a hundred years.
The church, like any home, is always in need of repairs and updating. Many hands have helped keep Mifflin Avenue strong and proud.
It would be nice to go back to a gentler time when lawn parties were held on the grass. What fun all would have to participate in a Sunday service under a circus tent, to spend a social evening bowling. Those years have passed. We are still a neighborhood church even though some families now travel miles instead of blocks to worship. But tradition is still strong. The Spring Salad Luncheon and the Holiday Bazaar, both sponsored by the United Methodist Women, are eagerly awaited events. The Strawberry Festival in June and the Citrus Sale in December benefit our benevolence fund. The Holiday Season starts with a church Thanksgiving Dinner. “Carols Around the Table,” and the Mifflin Avenue Youth Fellowship’s (MAYF) special Sunday service, “Hanging of the Greens,” prepare all for the Christmas season. Later in the month the Good Samaritan Committee packs and, with the help of the youth, distributes baskets of fruit to shut-ins. Late spring sees our children presenting a special musical program and summer finds everyone busy with Bible school and the popular Summer Fun program.
The MAYF spends precious summer days traveling to other cities to help smaller churches with special projects. Monday evenings find our gym filled with music as the Scandinavian Dancers perfect their dance heritage. Gamblers Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous find support at their weekly meetings under our roof. The Special Needs Adult Program sponsored by the Community College of Allegheny County is housed in our Adult Complex. The gym is frequently in use with basketball and volleyball games. For the past several years we have been home base for high school and college students from all over the country who spend their spring and summer break doing community service projects in the area. Our facilities are in use now in ways never dreamed of a hundred years ago. We feel sure that those who came before would highly approve of all we do now.
We have talked a lot in this history about our building, but obviously a “church” is people. In 1896 when the District Superintendent wrote about us for the first time in his annual report to the Pittsburgh Conference he said:
The Wilkinsburg church has built, on Mifflin Avenue, on grounds furnished by the Church Union, a very sightly and comfortable place of worship, in which a vigorous society was lately organized by H.D. Whitfield temporarily in charge.
One hundred years after our foundation we still possess a “sightly” (as opposed to unsightly!) building, but more important we continue to be a “vigorous“ congregation of faithful disciples with many ministries and activities.
Our Spiritual Leadership
Since its beginnings, even prior to incorporation in 1896, Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church has been guided by the following pastors:
Rev. Charles M. Miller
Rev. Homer D. Whitfield, D.D., the first pastor - 1896 to 1901
Rev. W. Henry Thompson, who assisted Rev. Whitfield for a brief period.
Rev. Arthur Smith - 1901 to 1907
Rev. Herbert A. Baum, D.D. - 1907 to 1911
Rev. Calvin H. Miller - 1911 to 1914
Rev. John R. Wolf, D.D. - 1914 to 1918
Rev. Calvin H. Rechard - 1918 to 1921
Rev. Burr R. McKnight - D.D., 1921 to 1925
Rev. Judson Jeffreys - 1925 to 1927
Rev. C.H. Whitlatch - 1927 to 1931
Rev. N.H. Sanner - 1931 to 1935
Rev. W.L. Hogg - 1935 to 1942
Rev. R.W. Faus - 1942 to 1947
Rev. Ernest Weals - 1947 to 1954
Rev. Harold T. Porter, Ph.D. - 1954 to 1957
Rev. C.E. Haine, D.D. - 1957 to 1962
Rev. George S. Crooks - 1962 to 1971
Rev. Paul B. Sparrer, Asst. - 1962 to 1970
Rev. William G. Morris - 1971 to 1983
Rev. James E. Breakiron - 1974 to 1983
Rev. Raymond V. Bengston - 1983 to 1987
Rev. William P. Saxman - 1987 to 1994
Rev. John H. Piper - 1994 to present
Brief biographical summaries of the dedicated service provided by these men are offered, as available. It is regrettable that some have passed from our memories with so little recorded about their service to us.
Charles M. Miller — Preached in the open air meetings held prior to the erection of the first building in 1896.
Homer D. Whitfield 1896–1901 — When appointed he was completing his seminary studies.
W. Henry Thompson — Assisted Rev. Whitfield for a brief period.
Arthur Smith 1901–1907 — A Welsh miner and a powerful preacher and vocalist. The parsonage was built during his ministry.
Herbert A. Baum 1907–1911 — Previously served Swissvale Methodist Church. He added 58 new members on December 8, 1907. During his ministry the original chapel was enlarged, so services were held in a tent across the street at 904 Mifflin Avenue. In later years Rev. and Mrs. Baum assumed the leadership of the Methodist Home in Mt. Lebanon with abounding success.
Calvin H. Miller 1911–1914 — “A good man.”
J.R. Wolfe 1914–1918 — “A scholarly Christian.”
C.H. Rechard 1918–1921
Burr R. McKnight, D.D. 1921–1925 — Rev. McKnight came to us from a large church in North Side, Pittsburgh. He was chosen to take Mifflin Avenue into the next building phase. A building boom in the area mandated an expansion program. Rev. McKnight had the dreams and energy to lead a drive to erect a church with the finest furnishings and appointments possible. His sermon to introduce the campaign was titled, “Where There Is No Vision the People Perish.” He tirelessly strolled the area each evening to meet the owners of newly built homes and invite them to Mifflin Avenue. In 1924 he introduced 125 new members into the congregation.
Jackson J. Jeffries 1925–1927
Charles H. Whitlatch 1927–1931
Rev. N.H. Sanner 1931–1935 — (loved by all)
W.L. Hogg 1935–1942— “Will” Hogg made his ministry a joint effort by the entire family. His wife, Mildred, was an informed and able assistant. The oldest son, Richey, was a leader in the MAYF, and following seminary at Yale, went on to become professor of theology at Perkins in Dallas.“Will” struggled through the trying times of economic depression and the beginnings of a World War. Financially, the church was able to do little more than keep up interest payments on the mortgage, but the greater vision for Mifflin Avenue remained. “Will” later served as District Superintendent.
Raymond W. Faus 1942–1947 — The loss of active members to the armed forces and employment relocation made for a difficult period. Mortgage payments and debt retirement were a major concern. Repairs and redecoration were on the agenda. But again, the congregation came through and the mortgage was burned in 1946.
Ernest Weals 1947–1954 — Rev. Weals was a popular choice to direct the fortunes at Mifflin Avenue. A superb home visitor, he delighted the children as he played the piano and sang songs they liked. During his ministry the church completed a new chapel and updated the Sunday School rooms. An unforgettable event was the Allshouse-Weals wedding, with Bishop Wicke presiding. Two partial family units were joined into one when Ernie married Helen. Helen is still an active member of our congregation.
Harold T. Porter, Ph.D. 1954–1957 — Rev. Porter and his wife, Loisbelle, came to us from Kittanning. They continued their fellowship and religious education classes among the youth. During his ministry here Rev. Porter completed requirements for his doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Porter left to fill a role at National Headquarters.
C.E. Haine, D.D. 1957–1962 — Rev. Haine and his wife, Amelia, came from Connellsville. The needs of our youth were strongly emphasized during his stay here. Additional classrooms were constructed in the area of the bowling alleys, as continual seepage of water made the alleys almost impossible to maintain.
George F. Crooks 1962–1971— George’s time at Mifflin Avenue saw two major events: the addition of an assistant minister, Paul Sparrer (see below), and a major remodeling of the physical plant. Wooden stairwell replacement, antiquated restrooms remodeled, reception area with kitchen, and a new small chapel were designated, in addition to a modernization of the altar area of the sanctuary. George added many personal touches to the renovations, and gave "forceful urging" to the overall effort of building and fundraising. His wife, Dottie, an excellent teacher, was vitally involved in the life of our congregation. They moved on to Clarion, and later George became District Superintendent.
Paul Sparrer, Asst. 1962–1970 — Rev. Paul Sparrer left his mark on Mifflin. He organized retreats, basketball leagues and his Saturday Nite [gatherings] as an attempt to offer an alternative to youth who aimlessly wandered or sought mischief for idle hands. Paul became a legend in Wilkinsburg and we hoped to have him retained in his role, not only for our church but as a youth director for Wilkinsburg. But the District Superintendent felt it was time for Paul to assume the reins of a church of his own and he moved on to Pine Run Church, Clairton.
William G. Morris 1971–1983 — Bill Morris came to Mifflin Avenue from Mt. Lebanon, where he had been one of four ministers. Anxious to assume all the responsibilities of being a minister, he gladly arrived, with his wife Bea. His path to here was paved with the struggles of raising a family, entering seminary, of several other careers, maintaining a home and ministering to a charge of 3 churches simultaneously. He has always held that the good Lord was with him at every turn. He was the instigator and moving force behind the JOY Fund, established to enable us to pay our conference benevolences in full at the beginning of the year. He established and inspired Wilkinsburg Meals on Wheels, an outreach to the community that still continues today. He was tireless in ministering to the needy and shut-ins. Bill suffered a heart attack while serving us. Heeding the advice of doctors he accepted a post at Homestead Park with a reduced workload.
James E. Breakiron 1974–1992 — While Jim was not a formal minister of our congregation, his presence was evident. After a long spell of illness and surgeries, he was placed on disability by Western Pennsylvania Conference and given a Charge Relationship to Mifflin Avenue. He and Lots served Mifflin Avenue and other churches in many functions when able hands were required. Jim taught our Men’s Bible Class and chaired the Commission on Evangelism. He died in 1992.
Raymond V. Bengston 1983–1987 — Ray and Eileen came to us from Trinity Towers United Methodist Church in Penn Hills. He stimulated the thinking of the adult Bible class with leadership through “The Divine Drama.” By his leadership—and most of the labor–a miniature shopping mall was constructed that became a highlight of the annual fall bazaar for several years. But the most lasting system that was instituted by Ray is the office computer system, which has been a great time and labor saving device. The church has gone through many changes with the computer, and will do even more. But it was Ray who got us started. Ray retired to Ohio in 1987 where he passed away in 1996.
William P. Saxman 1988–1994 — Bill and Alice came to us from Sarver Zion United Methodist Church. Bill did not begin his “working” life in the ministry, but had trained for and become a teacher of chemistry and physics before the call to Christian service reached the point of commitment. His family had already become sizeable, and the rigors of obtaining another degree were difficult, but Bill endured with his usual optimistic approach. Bill is a tireless worker and took over the hands-on administration of Wilkinsburg Meals on Wheels. The entire Saxman family will always be fondly remembered by Mifflin Avenue. Bill is now retired after serving Brookville First United Methodist Church.
John H. Piper 1994 — Jack came to us with a strong background in urban ministry on the Pittsburgh district. Carol, Jack and their son feel very much at home in Regent Square. Jack is now in his 36th year of Methodist ministry. He has a positive attitude concerning the future of our church and the surrounding neighborhood. An able administrator who works to get the right person in the correct leadership position, he is enthusiastic about the growth of our membership through the addition of new and younger families. As he leads us into our second century he is very optimistic about the future of Mifflin Avenue.
. . . .
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Wilkinsburg Public Library Digital Archives:
Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church 1896–1996, Centennial booklet.