Church of the Holy Cross celebrates 140th anniversary

A spirit of pride and passion filled the atmosphere as the crowd of African American Episcopalians recently gathered at the DoubleTree Hotel in Monroeville to celebrate the 140th Anniversary of The Church Of The Holy Cross.

The church, originally named St Cyprian’s Mission, got its fragmented start in 1875 with a group of Blacks, led by the efforts of Wilberforce University graduate Sadie B. Hamilton. Fueled by the social isolation of their children and what they considered to be a segregated religious setting of that era, worship began in Trinity Church parish house followed by a move to a building on Wylie Avenue in the Hill District.

That Mission closed following the exit of their Priest in 1922 but was restarted around 1954 and services reconvened in a storeroom at the corner of Wylie Avenue and Roberts Street.

In the subsequent years of the parish’s formation, worship services were conducted in various locations throughout the city which has resulted in a significant Black presence in the Episcopalian Diocese of Pittsburgh and the church is now located at 7505 Kelly Street in Homewood.

In the words of the current rector, Rev. Dr. Moni McIntyre, “The City of Pittsburgh and The Episcopal Church are richer because we are here.”

Those in attendance were delighted to hear the voices of KQV radio commentator Elaine Effort, who served as the mistress of ceremonies, and the melodious gospel solos provided by singer Karen Arrington. Following the keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Harold T Lewis, Diocese Bishop Dorsey McConnell gave closing remarks emphasizing his conviction and resolve to continue his efforts to encourage racially inclusive worship in their church community. The celebration ended with dancing to the musical entertainment provided by DJ Louie Bates.