The open house will include refreshments, and members of the Allegheny Historic Preservation Society will be available to answer questions about the church’s Tiffany windows and preservation projects.

By David Grinnell

Photos: Jeffrey Krugh

Sunshine, colored glass, and the spirit: The summer solstice will bring these elements together through the display of Calvary United Methodist Church’s stunning Tiffany windows at an open house on June 21 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Calvary Church, located in Allegheny West and built between 1892 and 1895, is recognized as one of Pittsburgh’s celebrated religious structures and is emblematic of the great architecture, art, and craftsmanship of the Victorian era. While many people have visited the church in the past to view its Tiffany windows, the Allegheny Historic Preservation Society (AHPS) is inviting everyone to come and experience the windows on a very special occasion: the summer solstice on June 21. 

During the longest day of the calendar year, the sunlight is especially unique in the way that it illuminates “The Resurrection” window at the church, which is dedicated to the memory of members of the Shea Family. On this day, you can experience how sections of this window come to life with color in ways that they do not at other times of the year.  Likewise, “The Apocalypse” window, also known as the Bishop Matthew Simpson Memorial Window, radiates with the golden hues of its depiction of the New Jerusalem, along with and the angels and the elders.

During the open house, Brian Burns, the music director of Calvary, will play selections of music on the church’s historic Farrand & Votey organ; Burns himself is responsible for the organ’s ground-up restoration. Likewise, guests will be able to hear the sweet tones of the restored McIlyar Memorial Bell and the newly installed carillon that now rings out the Westminster Chime, on the full hour, from the north tower of the church. 

AHPS members will provide refreshments at the Open House and be available to share details about the Tiffany windows, Calvary’s heritage, preservation projects, the Tiffany Concert Series, and much more.

AHPS is a nonprofit organization that has worked for more than three decades to preserve historic structures on the Northside, including Calvary Church—and now assisting with the Allegheny Elks building. AHPS invites all Northside neighbors to come and explore Calvary Church and connect with the organization’s preservation efforts. The event is free.

Calvary United Methodist Church is located at 971 Beech Ave., at the corner of Beech and Allegheny Avenues, in the Northside’s Allegheny West neighborhood. For more information about the church, visit calvarypgh.com, email calvarypgh@gmail.com, or call 412-231-2007.

Date: Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Time: 4:00-7:00 PM

Place: Calvary Church, Allegheny and Beech Avenues (Allegheny West)

Sponsor: Allegheny Historic Preservation Society (AHPS)

David Grinnell is a board member of AHPS and chair of the Calvary UMC Church Council.