Original opalescent glass remains a gem at Monroeville's Old Stone Church

Located in the heart of Monroeville, the Old Stone Church was built in 1894, replacing the original Crossroads Presbyterian Church founded in 1834. The new nondenominational church was created in order to adapt to a growing congregation.

According to Joe Ventresca, Monroeville Historical Society vice president, stones from Crossroads Church were used in the construction of the Old Stone Church’s foundation.

This unique structure has many delightful rarities that give it character, such as the bell tower and time capsule. Its location on the hill – in juxtaposition with the busy Monroeville Boulevard and myriad of nearby shops and restaurants – also is quite remarkable.

One of the most beautiful and impressive works, however, is the original Art Nouveau-style stained-glass windows in the front of the church. The rose window at the very front of the church is bordered by a pair of entrances on either side.

The stained glass was believed to come from Kokomo Opalescent Glass Co. in Kokomo, Ind. It’s not known whether the windows were designed in-house at the company or if there was an outside designer.

According to the Kokomo website, the company was founded in 1888 and is the oldest producer of hand cast, cathedral and opalescent glass in the United States.

The company’s hand-mixed sheet glass was so impeccable that it was the main source of glass for JR Lamb and La Farge, as well as American artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany, for several years.

It was said that Tiffany preferred the imperfections found in opalescent glass. Like a pearl or opal, opalescent glass reflects light and transforms color, which made it preferable to Tiffany. Up to that point, only traditional translucent cathedral art glass was available on the market.

The Old Stone Church’s original stained glass was crafted between 1894-1896, according to Ventresca, although the wooden frames were refurbished in 1974.

“The stained glass windows really make the church,” he said. “When a church is torn down, one thing people always want is the beautiful stained glass to put in their homes.”

The church is owned by the municipality and overseen by the historical society, both of which help to raise money for its upkeep.

The Old Stone Church is an official Pittsburgh History and Landmark Foundation Site. The stained-glass windows, which are now about 130 years old, remain a staple at the structure.

The church, located at 3984 Monroeville Blvd, is available for weddings and seats approximately 160 guests. Downstairs, the church offers a meeting area and separate bride and groom suites. The church also is open for tours on special occasions.

For questions or more information, contact the Monroeville Historical Society at church@monroevillehistorical.org.