Since its founding in 1833, the Third Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh has been tied to Pittsburgh’s cycles of expansion, stagnation, and reinvention, leading to challenges and opportunities for the congregation. On three occasions, the congregation faced the challenge of finding a new church home in order to survive as a congregation. At the end of the 19th century, when the congregation built its current building at the corner of Fifth and Negley Avenues in Shadyside.
The current chapel and sanctuary were built between 1897-1903 and include six stained glass windows produced by Tiffany Studios and three designed by William Willet. The Willet Studios were located near the corner of 5th and Penn Avenues at the time of the windows installation. The sanctuary has been placed on the national register of historic landmarks in part due to the iron hardware and hinges on the sanctuary doors that still open onto 5th avenue. The more recent social hall and office wing were completed in 1959.
The neighborhoods surrounding Third Church have continued to grow and change. Expanding universities and hospitals and a growing technology sector have attracted students, faculty, and staff from around the world. Single-family homes have been replaced with rentals and large apartment and condo complexes. Third Church will continue to adapt and change as we seek to respond to the changing needs of our neighbors.