First Methodist Episcopal Church of McKeesport

First Methodist Episcopal Church of McKeesport, known since 1968 as the First United Methodist Church, is a historic church in McKeesport, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The Late Gothic Revival style church has been in use for religious services and community events since its dedication.[2] It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.[1]

First Methodist Episcopal Church of McKeesport
The church in November 2014, now named First United Methodist Church
Location1406 Cornell Street, McKeesport, Pennsylvania
Coordinates40°20′47″N 79°51′30″W
Area2 acres (0.81 ha)
Built1926
Built byEdward Wehr
ArchitectCharles Webber Bolton
Architectural styleLate Gothic Revival
NRHP reference No.14000814[1]
Added to NRHPSeptember 30, 2014

History

The First Methodist Episcopal Church grew from circuit riding preachers in the Ohio valley area in 1787. Methodists met in a combined church built in 1819, with Presbyterians and Baptists, in the area that became Mckeesport. The First Methodist Episcopal Church congregation was incorporated in 1841. Growth had moved the congregation to a third church by 1876.[2]

That church, at the corner of Walnut Street and Penny Avenue was destroyed by fire on July 11, 1924. Planning for a new building began soon after. Land was purchased along Fourteenth Avenue, now Cornell Street. Ground breaking was on Sunday, June 14, 1925, the completed church was dedicated on Sunday, November 21, 1926.[2]

Architecture

The church is built in three main sections, a Nave, a Chapel, and the Community building.[3] The northern section, the Nave, with its north and south transepts form a cross when viewed from overhead. A bell tower is situated at the center of that cross.[2]

The sandstone building is built on a steel-reinforced concrete foundation. No major changes have been made to the building since its construction.[2]


References
  1. "Weekly list of actions taken on properties: 9/29/14 through 10/03/04". National Park Service. October 10, 2014. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
  2. "National Historic Landmarks & National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania" (Searchable database). CRGIS: Cultural Resources Geographic Information System. Note: This includes Eugene Ziegler (January 31, 2014). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: First Methodist Episcopal Church of McKeesport)" (PDF). Retrieved 2015-09-28.
  3. "National Historic Landmarks & National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania" (Searchable database). CRGIS: Cultural Resources Geographic Information System. Note: This includes Eugene Ziegler (January 31, 2014). "Site Plan: First Methodist Episcopal Church of McKeesport)" (PDF). Retrieved 2015-09-28.
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