A Century of Faith

First United Methodist Church celebrates 100 years in McKeesport.

For 100 years, the Gothic-style building at the corner of Cornell Street and Versailles Avenue has stood as a familiar landmark in McKeesport. But the history of First United Methodist Church of McKeesport stretches back much farther than the building itself.

The congregation was founded in 1841 as the Methodist Episcopal Church of McKeesport. After meeting in several temporary locations, the congregation constructed a colonial-style church at Walnut and Penny streets in 1876. Nearly five decades later, disaster struck when the building was destroyed by fire in 1924.

Rather than let the loss bring the congregation to a halt, church leaders began searching for a new home. After months of looking, the congregation purchased property at Cornell Street and Versailles Avenue, and construction began in 1925.

The result was the stately Gothic-style church that remains today.

The new house of worship was officially dedicated in November 1926 and quickly became a prominent part of the McKeesport community. This year, the congregation is celebrating the building’s 100th anniversary with an opportunity for the public to step inside and learn more about its history.

Over the decades, First United Methodist Church became a place of worship for many of McKeesport’s prominent residents. But its influence extended well beyond Sunday services.

During the Great Depression, the church faced significant financial challenges and needed to repay interest on its mortgage. Members responded by putting their own finances on the line. Some mortgaged their homes, while others loaned money directly to the church to help pay its debts.

By 1936, the congregation had recovered and had paid off its debts and the loans made by members.

That spirit of commitment continued throughout the following decades. Over the next 60 years, the church grew to more than 1,500 members and developed a strong music program, including a large choir and one of the area’s largest pipe organs. Its youth group attracted hundreds of young people and became known for service projects and community outreach.

For longtime members, memories of the church extend beyond worship services. Generations of young people spent time downstairs playing duckpin bowling, performing plays on the Community Hall stage and singing from the choir loft.

The church also developed a broad missionary outreach program, both internationally and locally, becoming what members describe as a “force for good” throughout McKeesport and surrounding communities.

Its influence also helped serve as a catalyst for other Methodist churches in the area, including congregations in Beulah Park, Christy Park, Versailles, Port Vue, Jenny Lind, East McKeesport, Green Valley and elsewhere.

Today, the building is recognized as both a national and Pennsylvania historic site, but its role in the community remains much more than architectural.

For more than five decades, Meals on Wheels has operated from the church, providing approximately 100 meals each day—both lunch and dinner—to area residents who are unable to leave their homes.

The church also partners with the Community Empowerment Association, allowing local elementary students to participate in childcare and enrichment programs using the church’s classrooms and Community Hall.

Other outreach efforts include a Clothes Closet and Food Pantry, providing uniforms and school supplies to area students, and assisting in obtaining prom dresses for those who might otherwise have difficulty affording them.

The church has continued to adapt to meet the needs of the community. Five area Methodist churches—Calvary, Kephart, Wesley, Beulah Park and Christy Park—merged with First United Methodist Church over the past five years to form McKeesport Area Shared Ministry, a United Methodist ministry consisting of three houses of worship.

Through the changes, the congregation’s mission has remained consistent: “To inspire others to experience faith in Christ through nurture, outreach and witness.”

Now, as the historic church reaches its centennial, members are inviting the entire community to celebrate—not only the building but the people and organizations that have been part of its story.

An Open House will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, from noon to 4 p.m. Visitors can take guided tours, explore a history timeline and enjoy light refreshments.

The event offers an opportunity for longtime members to revisit familiar spaces and for others to discover a piece of McKeesport history they may have passed many times without seeing inside.

On Sunday, Oct. 18, Pastor Michele A. Nagle will lead a combined worship service at 10 a.m. that is open to the public, followed by a light brunch.

As the congregation celebrates this milestone, the community is invited to explore the history and see firsthand why this McKeesport landmark has remained such an important part of the community for 100 years.

Those who would like to support the ongoing work of McKeesport Area Shared Ministries can make donations by mail to:

MASM United Methodist Church

1406 Cornell Street

McKeesport, PA 15132

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