Dan Antion

More Pittsburgh Churches

Welcome to Thursday Doors! This is a weekly challenge for people who love doors and architecture to come together to admire and share their favorite door photos, drawings, or other images or stories from around the world. If you’d like to join us, simply create your own Thursday Doors post each (or any) week and then share a link to your post in the comments below, anytime between 12:01 am Thursday morning and Saturday noon (North American eastern time). If you like, you can add our badge to your post.

Before getting to my gallery today, I thought I’d give an update on the upcoming Thursday Doors writing Challenge. 15 photos have been contributed to server as inspiration. Fear not, we have room for plenty more. I will be adding 2 or 3 as soon as I find some time to crawl through my archives. I hope you will feel encouraged to look through your photos and find a door, or two, or three that might inspire someone to write a poem or story. The writing doesn’t begin until May 1st, but every writer needs inspiration. Maybe some writer’s inspiration could be one of your doors. For more information about the writing challenge, see my post from last week (there’s a link below).

If you want to contribute a door, send an image or a link to an image on your blog, to: noFacilities at gmail dot com – if you want to see the doors we have so far, visit the challenge page.

Last week, I shared the first set of doors from churches in an area of Pittsburgh known as the McKees Rocks Bottoms. This area is one of the earliest settled areas in the Pittsburgh area. Native American civilizations are thought to have inhabited this are of river bottom land since as far back as 2,000 BC.

One of the questions I had when I visited this are was why there were so many churches in such a small area. I forgot a couple important considerations. First, this area was founded during the 1800s before most families has access to reliable transportation. Second, immigrant families brought with them their cultural heritage, including their religious beliefs. Third, this region is somewhat inhospitable. I read stories about many families crossing the Ohio River in rowboats each Sunday to attend the only Orthodox church in the area. There was no bridge over the Ohio River at that time near this area. As the steel industry in the region flourished, families had enough money to donate to the construction of these churches in the early 20th century. The following excerpt offers is from some of the history I found.

McKees Rocks – A Home for Immigrants in The First Half of the 20th Century

An influx of immigrants came to the area to escape oppression from their old world. Most were of Central and Eastern Europeans with 42% of residents Slavic in ethnicity. McKees Rocks attracted many immigrants from eastern and southern Europe. These individuals were often skilled iron and steelworkers in their homelands and found a ready place in the iron and steel industry associated with the railroad industry around McKees Rocks. You will recall that the Ohio Valley Trading company had tried to recruit immigrants to the area during the 1800s by calling the area around Pittsburgh “New Salzburg” in an effort to attract immigrant settlers from Salzburg Germany. The combination of cultures from Germany, Slavic speaking nations and Italy produced a local culture rich in traditions that is apparent in celebrations, food, local businesses, and shops. Many of the enterprises such as bakeries, auto repair facilities, and other businesses are famous throughout Western Pennsylvania. These traditions and practices are combined in the festivals, activities, and community-oriented holidays that can still be seen today

McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation

Pittsburgh was and remains one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States. According to the tourist bureau, Visit Pittsburgh, “90 vibrant neighborhoods make our region a major travel destination.” I would add that it was a wonderful region in which to grow up.

I hope you enjoy the gallery and I hope you have time to visit the doors from some of the other participants. If you miss any, please return on Sunday for the weekly recap.

St. Mary’s Ukrainian church is enormous
One side of that large church
These doors are a little weathered
The church and the parish house
Remarkable building – sorry about the power line but the streets were very narrow
We need to check that church out
Random building as I drove around the block from churches to church
A funeral home across from the big church on the corner
I wish I knew what this building was
Parish house
The churches we saw last week – from the street behind
Parish house
This is the back of one of the buildings I shared last week
This is the back of the Orthodox church I shared last week
This it the back of the Catholic church I shared last week

If you are in a hurry and don’t wish to scroll through the comments, click to Jump to the comment form.


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104 comments

    • In the town where I was born, the Syrian immigrants, including my grandfather, settled, found work and built an Orthodox church. Later they built a larger church. Nearby were churches built by the Italian, and Slavic immigrants. They came to this region to find work, but they brought their culture and especially their faith with them.

      Thank you for the kind words about Knuckleheads. And thank you for your lovely contribution today.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      • As an Orthodox believer and a Romanian I feel like saying YES, we go bigger whenever we can :)

        I guess there isn’t much you can bring along when immigrating. Your faith, that’s something you carry in your heart, and it gives you instant roots even on foreign land. The tradition, the way we do things, like our parents before us, the turn of the hand when we speak, the bowing of the forehead when we pray, the spices in the food – they are all a common language. Ours.
        And maybe a bit of a secret code that brings us together even more.

        Thank you for sharing your grandfather’s story. It is moving.

        Liked by 2 people

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    • The flow of resources (income for donations) necessary may have influences the design. The Yellow brick Orthodox church began before WWI, and after the railroads switched to metal sided freight cars – that was the major industry in this area. So (after a few brutal strikes) there were good wages to be made. Then WWI happened. Again, after the war, there were good times, but then the Great Depression occurred. Construction of these churches ebbed and flowed along with those events. At the same time, transportation was improving, so people could travel farther to attend church. The history of St. Nicholas (the yellow church) is 8 pages long. It’s really amazing that the building has survived.

      Liked by 1 person

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    • The color is often found in that area. The shape is a testament to the quality workmanship in the early 20th century. It’s amazing to see what they could build, and given this church’s struggle, it’s good to see that it’s still standing and serving its congregation.

      Liked by 1 person

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  14. Excellent photos, Dan. Thanks for the historical information. It makes sense that each group wanted their accustomed style of church. I like the back of the Ukrainian Church and its rounded shapes. Some expert craftwork went unto its construction to accomplish its unique towers and spires.
    The square building that you captured along the way is awesome. I like random buildings. An amazing photo, the angle and the sky are perfect blue.
    I like the other building you titled “I wish I knew what this building was” it looks more modernish. I like the windows with what looks like metal covers…very intriguing building. Great photos .
    Thank you!

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    • Thanks Suzette. I would guess that all these buildings started out as factories or machine shops in support of the nearby mills. The effort and expense that went into building these churches amazes me. Something this grand would never be built today. These people brought their passion for their faith, and the memory of the grand churches they left behind in Europe. I give them so much credit.

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  15. I am reminded of driving on the Chicago Skyway and looking over the dense city, with spires of different styles rising out of the neighborhoods, as though refusing to be anonymous. A real testimony to the grit of the people who came with not much more than faith. I cannot imagine the upkeep on these old buildings, but they sure were built to stay. I do hope you get inside some day and get pictures for us!

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    • Their journey was a journey of faith. In my own family, my paternal grandparents came from Syria. They were Orthodox Christians trying to escape a land where they were persecuted for being of that religion. The first thing they did when they arrived in Pittsburgh was build a church. Then, once their lives were established, they built a bigger church. Recently, that congregation completed a long awaited third church, on the grounds near their cemetery.

      The large yellow church has an amazing physical and ecclesiastical journey. I downloaded its history (a short version is here, along with a link to the full history – https://www.orthodoxpittsburgh.org/history) and it’s an amazing story.

      Liked by 1 person

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  18. I love the weathered doors, and the round Orthodox church from behind, but most of all I love it how Germanic, Slavic and Romanic influences helped shape your neighbourhood. Sounds like Slovenia which was shaped by the same influences. Just that… Salzburg is in Austria, not Germany!

    I’m still in Slovenia and you get only one door from it today, but I’m pretty sure it would make a good writing material. Will send it to you when I come home (or you just take it yourself if it’s not a hassle, either of the door you prefer.) Plus there are 8 door joke poems. Perfect for a wet travelling Thursday. https://manjameximexcessive6.wordpress.com/2023/04/13/day-13-thursday-doors-13-4-23-door-jokes/#Slovenia#Ljubljana#doorjokes

    Liked by 1 person

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    • This area was home to a similar group of immigrants, including many from Slovenia. I understand that Salzburg is in Austria (and that it has had a difficult history). I didn’t write that section, I copied it from the historic society, as is. Despite our recent attitude toward other nations, we are a nation of immigrants, and those influences are only 100-150 years old. I don’t know why so many Americans seem willing to forget that. It’s nearly impossible to forget in Pittsburgh.

      I did copy your doors and I will add them to the challenge. I find it so odd, especially the lovely wooden door.

      Liked by 1 person

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  19. The first church isn’t “enormous” Dan, it’s “ginormous”! I am awestruck by the incredible workmanship that went into all these churches. These gifted immigrants certainly brought their talent with them. These buildings are a memorial to those people who were determined to have a proper place to worship. Even though that one set of doors is really weathered, somehow they are the perfect doors for that church!
    Ginger

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    • Thanks Ginger. When you read the history, it becomes apparent that these people didn’t have tons of money. They worked hard, and during good times, they had money to donate to the construction of their church. As with many old churches, they began holding services in the basement, and for years, that was the only finished portion. Construction on these churches began before WWI, was suspended, then picked up in the 20s, then was suspended during the Depression. But they kept coming back to them.

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    • Exactly, Frank. Especially in the industrial cities east of the Mississippi. Here in New England, most old churches are Congregational and Episcopal. As you go west, you start to find these wonderful churches build by immigrants who came for the promise of jobs or freedom.

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  23. Some very interesting doors on the challenge page.
    And I loved seeing how the church photos. Churches are such beautiful and amazing buildings—even if/when they’re weathered and old.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thanks Mae. I think the challenge will be fun. Last year, I was worried because short stories aren’t my strong suit, but I ended up writing three for the challenge. Sometimes you find one that sparks an idea.

      I love the old churches, and since Western and Orthodox Easter are only a week apart this year, I decided to save these for this period. They are amazing buildings.

      Liked by 1 person

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  26. St Mary’s is huge! I can’t imagine what it’s like to see that church in person. We have one Orthodox church in town, but it is Greek Orthodox and not near as grand as the Ukranian Orthodox.

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    • I think the grand churches were built by the people who had left behind even grander churches in Europe. My paternal grandparents built a pretty nice (also yellow brick) Orthodox church in their town. Nothing on this scale, but very nice. They recently sold that after building a new church that is nice looking but more modern and practical.

      Liked by 1 person

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  27. I took a look at the writing challenge page and am waiting in the wings for some inspiration. :) Great photos shared this week, Dan. I find it interesting that the back of the Orthodox church is round.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • That’s a great way to support an author, Teagan. Thanks for that. I think I have to add that book to my TBR pile.

      I’m sure the people who built these churches left amazing stone churches behind in the “Old Country.” They wanted to recreate that in the new land. The sacrifices they made to build these churches were significant.

      Liked by 1 person

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  31. […] This week I’m sharing with you some old, beautiful doors from the city center of Rijeka, Croatia. Most of these buildings are from the end of 19th century. I think the first door pictured above might be from the beginning of 20th century. Rijeka is Croatia’s main seaport and a city known for its International Carnival parade. Rijeka used to be quite an industrial city but that changed. Rijeka was even one of European capitals of culture for 2020. Now, it’s being rediscovered by tourists. […]

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  32. He-Man’s Grandfather immigrated from one of the Slavic countries in 1903 and settled south of Pittsburg in Monessen. He, He-Man’s uncles, and his own dad worked in the steelmill in town. He-Man didn’t follow that path. Thankfully! Or else I would have never met him. 😃

    That yellow brick is so pretty, and cheerful it my favorite this week, but I do also love all the red brick the area has.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Our family was in a similar situation. I had several relatives in my generation that decided to follow their fathers or uncles into jobs in the mills. my father didn’t want us going that route. Ours was a good decision.

      The yellow brick was used in a lot of building in that area. I rarely see it in New England.

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      • He-Man’s Dad used to say it was like being in hell working in the steel mill and worked hard to steer He-Man away from working there too.
        His parents just wished technology was being discovered and built in or around Pittsburg not out in California!

        Liked by 1 person

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        • I toured the steel mills a couple times. I couldn’t imagine working there, although it was amazing to watch. When I graduated from graduate school in 1977 (from Pitt) we had no (maybe one) companies interviewing for jobs in Pittsburgh. It was sad.

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    • I have no way of knowing, but I assume that each parish brought the idea of the perfect church with them from the old country. To have these four churches in such close proximity seems odd today, but most of these people walked to church and to work.

      Liked by 1 person

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  37. Was interesting seeing the backs of the churches. I also wonder what that building was with the glass block. Do you suppose those windows were once all glass? If so, I’ll bet it was a factory building of some kind.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • It’s hard now to imagine life before readily available transportation. It’s also hard imagining leaving everything you’ve ever known and moving to a new country 3-4,000 miles away. I understand a little about that because that’s what my paternal grandparents did, but it’s still hard to imagine.

      Liked by 1 person

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  46. I enjoyed your second installment of churches in Pittsburgh, and the history as well. Very interesting, Dan. Wow, St. Mary’s Ukrainian church is enormous indeed and the back of the Orthodox church is quite impressive. Here is my contribution for this week:

    https://brendasrandomthoughts.wordpress.com/2023/04/14/thursday-doors-figlmuller-at-wollzeile-vienna/

    I do have a couple of photos to add to the Writing Challenge prompts that I’ll send over tomorrow. I hope to be inspired this year to write something. Thanks, Dan, for all you do!!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thanks Brenda. I’m glad you liked these churches. It’s such an interesting little area.

      Your doors today were upbeat and fun. I look forward to your contributions to the challenge. It may seem like we have a lot, but you never know what will inspire people.

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  49. Hi Dan – fascinating to read 90 vibrant neighbourhoods – so fortunate to live there. I guess each group of settlers brought their local culture and in those days – that was essential to them. Loved the tour – cheers Hilary

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