Then and Now: Sharpsburg Presbyterian still a place that's good for the soul

A massive stone church on the corner of 13th and North Canal streets in Sharpsburg continues to be a gathering place more than a century after its construction.

Built in 1906, the Gothic-style building was originally home to Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church.

Established in 1838, people initially worshipped along Main Street before church leadership purchased the 13th Street property in 1871. Cost of the land was $4,200, according to a 1993 borough history book.

Construction finally kicked off more than three decades later, with the total cost of the church at nearly $50,000. 

The Rev. T.M. Thompson led the first services. Church members paid down a $10,000 mortgage for years to come.

While the church prospered at the site for nearly 70 years, it followed in the steps of many across the country and experienced a membership decline that could no longer sustain operations. Sharpsburg Presbyterian merged with Aspinwall United Presbyterian in 1973.

Today, the building is still put to good use. It houses the Northern Area Multi-Service Center, a program run by the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging.

Not too much of the exterior has changed.

The original slate-shingled roof no longer has the ornamentation on top and the exterior steps have been removed. The corner entrance is now a large window.

But there is plenty of activity inside.

Senior citizens are drawn to the site for social services that include fitness, hot meals and bingo. Programs include Tai Chi, yoga and shuttles to local shopping centers.