Calvary United Methodist Church
By Leepaxton at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Location:
971 Beech Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
Description:
Calvary United Methodist Church is an architecturally significant Gothic Revival landmark built between 1892 and 1895 and designed by Vrydaugh & Shepherd with T. B. Wolfe. Constructed of bluestone and granite, its façade features elaborate Gothic details such as mismatched spires, carved gargoyles, and richly ornamented louvers. A central architectural highlight is the trio of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained-glass windows—depicting the Apocalypse, Resurrection, and Ascension—funded by private subscribers and considered some of the finest examples in the region. The church occupies a prominent corner at Beech and Allegheny Avenues and has earned designation as both a city historic structure and a Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation landmark.
Inside, worship services follow a traditional United Methodist liturgy with blended musical styles and open communion; children participate in special lessons before Sunday School, and services are followed by a fellowship hour. Welcoming and inclusive, the congregation is known for its hospitality and active engagement in community life. The church features excellent acoustics and hosts occasional pipe organ concerts and other musical events that draw both parishioners and visitors.
With a fully accessible rear entrance and free parking (including special-needs spaces), Calvary United Methodist Church offers both historical charm and intentional welcome—making it a standout spiritual and architectural presence in the North Side community.
