Saturday, November 11, 2006
Church Remains
On a recent trip to that wonderful city of Pittsburgh, we went on a search for St. Nicholas Church, the first Croatian parish church in North America. From information I'd culled off the internet I had mistakingly thought that the church was still active. These photographs were taken in 2002. Surely, the last 4 years would not have seen such a precipitous drop in appearance and, more importantly, liveliness.
But it had. We skipped over the low "No Trespassing" sign and climbed the stairs. All of the doors were bolted, all of the stained glass windows boarded or protected by iron screens. The church is located on East Ohio Street, also known as Route 28. A rundown, littered, and unused sidewalk is all that seperates this officially designated Historic Landmark from the 4 lane speedily travelled East Ohio Street. This is Spring Hill, a residential area in need of some love and money. I hope the church is physically able to hold on until a dedicated effort can restore it. Perhaps not to its original intent of worship. But other possibilites exist. Going west on East Ohio Street, making a right onto 31st St. Bridge and then, shortly after, a left onto Liberty Avenue, you'll pass by the Church Brew Works.
There are many ways to worship; I don't think your God will mind if you hoist a few in His name. Besides, Pittsburgh needs another good brewery/restaurant, done in a Croatian style.
As you can see, one of the statues is missing from its designated place of vigilance while in the background another, what is probably, smaller statue of the Virgin Mary is surrounded by falling tree limbs and grasses pushing through the concrete walkways.
But it had. We skipped over the low "No Trespassing" sign and climbed the stairs. All of the doors were bolted, all of the stained glass windows boarded or protected by iron screens. The church is located on East Ohio Street, also known as Route 28. A rundown, littered, and unused sidewalk is all that seperates this officially designated Historic Landmark from the 4 lane speedily travelled East Ohio Street. This is Spring Hill, a residential area in need of some love and money. I hope the church is physically able to hold on until a dedicated effort can restore it. Perhaps not to its original intent of worship. But other possibilites exist. Going west on East Ohio Street, making a right onto 31st St. Bridge and then, shortly after, a left onto Liberty Avenue, you'll pass by the Church Brew Works.
There are many ways to worship; I don't think your God will mind if you hoist a few in His name. Besides, Pittsburgh needs another good brewery/restaurant, done in a Croatian style.
As you can see, one of the statues is missing from its designated place of vigilance while in the background another, what is probably, smaller statue of the Virgin Mary is surrounded by falling tree limbs and grasses pushing through the concrete walkways.
Comments:
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That looks very similar to a church in Rijeka. Thanks for sharing the pictures and giving it some attention. It is a shame to see a place of such historical significance go to waste.
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