History

Our Past

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 different occasions, the congregation has faced the challenge of finding a new church home in order to survive as a worshipping body.

At the end of the 19th century, the congregation built its current building at the corner of Fifth and Negley Avenues in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood. 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.

Our 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.

Our Present

The neighborhoods surrounding Third Church have continued to grow and change throughout the years, and that change is reflected in the very core of Third Church itself. 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/condo complexes.

Urban areas such as Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods are constantly changing, and so Third Church has adapted to these changes as well, with more small groups and community events geared towards students new to the area, young professionals, working families and more. Diversity, both ethnically and professionally, is crucial to Third Church and the surround East-End communities!

Our Future

Our future is… you! Third Church will continue to adapt and change as we seek to respond to the changing needs of our neighbors, and that begins with welcoming you and those you care about into our church. At Third Church, we are always looking to welcome new faces with good food, hot coffee, fun games and great conversation! We invite you to begin your spiritual journey at Third Church today!