First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh Capital Campaign

A HISTORY

First Church has stood at the corner of Centre and Aiken Avenues in the heart of Pittsburgh’s East End since 1893. An historic landmark, First Church brings dignity and beauty to the neighborhood. It symbolizes perseverance in the midst of change and bears witness to the faith, sacrifice, and significant achievments of generations past.

A RESPONSIBILITY

First Church has found a particular calling in welcoming all to Christian fellowship in our community. Our surrounding neighborhoods of East Liberty, Bloomfield, Friendship, and Shadyside represent an economically, educationally, ethnically, and racially diverse population anchored in a vibrant urban setting. First Church has a long history and tradition of ministering to our diverse neighbors, in addition to drawing members from throughout Allegheny County. Similarly, our members have long embraced First Church’s commitment to embody the United Methodist motto of “Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors."

A FUTURE

In 2006, First Church and RSSC Architecture developed a Master Plan for the renovation and maintenance of our historic, 114-year-old building. We have reached an important juncture in our history. Previous generations of First Church members have worked hard and made significant sacrifices through the years to maintain this extraordinary facility. As First Church embarks on a new century of ministry and fellowship to the community, we are called to maintain the building and assure that it is welcoming, safe, comfortable, functional, and energy-efficient.

A LEGACY

To begin Phase One of our Master Plan renovation, we seek to raise $1.2 million over a three-year period from our First Church congregation, past and present. Our congregation’s responsibility to First Church’s legacy is to ensure that the church and its services will survive and prosper well into the future. “Not equal gifts but equal sacrifice” is the challenge before us all. Our Find Us Faithful Capital Campaign is both a process and a faith journey. As declared in our Vision Statement, “We are called to be faithful stewards who reflect the God who is at work in our lives.” This is an opportunity for every First Church household to make a sacrificial commitment and continue the legacy of our stewardship. Let us step forward in faith to keep First Church central to our spiritual lives and the life of the community.