From Pittsburgh Commercial Gazette, Oct. 31, 1900,
New Wilkinsburg Church: St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Congregation Lets the Contract for a Pretty Brick Structure to Be Completed Within Six Months.
Plans were completed yesterday by the architects for the new brick church of the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran denomination of Wilkinsburg and ground will be broken for the new structure before the close of the present week. The site is at the corner of Ross Avenue and Center street in the heart of the residence section and one of the prettiest spots that could have been selected. The plans were drawn up some time ago and placed before the church committee, but did not meet with their approval, and it was necessary to have a new set drawn. The church committee at their last meeting acted favorable on the new plans and the contract for the structure has been let. It will require about six months’ work to complete it.
The new church will be built of buff colored brick and will be handsomely fitted up and the furnishings will be of the most modern style. It is estimated that the total cost will reach $10,000. The seating capacity will be about 600 people. The first floor will contain a large auditorium and Sunday school class rooms, a library and pastor’s study. A choir room will also be one of the new features of the church. The basement will contain a small dining room and kitchen, which will be used for social functions given by the church.
St. Paul’s church was organized about two years ago with a membership of 40, and has increased until it now numbers over 150. Since the organization the members have been meeting in Lohr’s hall on South avenue, and this will serve as a church until their new structure is completed. The congregation is at present in a very flourishing condition and several thousand dollars have already been raised to bear the expenses of building the new church. The present pastor, Rev. J. B. Markward was called about one year ago, and is well liked by his people.
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“New Wilkinsburg Church: St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Congregation Lets the Contract for a Pretty Brick Structure to Be Completed Within Six Months,” Pittsburgh Commercial Gazette, Oct. 31, 1900, p. 8.