We celebrate David Knapp's seven years of service as the Smithfield Church Director of Music

   

and the historical significance of our church building and its stained glass windows as presented by Albert M. Tannler, Historical Collections Director of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (center in photo below).

Regarding the church's architect, Henry Hornbostel, Mr. Tannler noted:

"Hornbostel designed some 110 buildings and monuments for the Pittsburgh area between 1904 and 1939, although he didn't move from New York to Pittsburgh until 1920. His ecclesiastical work includes two synagogues, several chapels, and Smithfield Church [designed in 1924, completed in 1926].

"Walter Kidney, in his study of the architect, called Smithfield Church 'one of Hornbostel's very rare essays in the Gothic;' noting further: 'it is a wiry Gothic using several European national manners.' In this building English Tudor, Italian Gothic, and 'German Gothic of the most virtuosic' are blended, under a steel and aluminum steeple.

"The result is a work of architectural eclecticism."

The biblical and historical stained glass windows in the sanctuary were the work of the Von Gerichten Art Glass and Ecclesiastic Studios in Columbus, Ohio, founded by glass artist Ludwig von Gerichten and his brother Theodore in 1893 as the Capital City Art Glass and Decorating Company.

The celebration continues – click here

  – through you and me!