Mural adorns wall overlooking amphitheater in Jeannette

Earthy tones and a Bible verse have replaced a blank brick wall on the side of the J&J Jewelers building in Jeannette.

The mural was completed last week by about 15 Cornerstone Ministries volunteers as part of the Murrysville church’s “Uncommon” community service weekend, Pastor Brandon Vieth said. The volunteers spent more than 70 hours over six days painting a design, words and cross over the brick with 50 gallons of paint. A few minor touch-ups remain.

“I think it’s exactly what we envisioned, and it’s going to accomplish exactly what we wanted to do,” he said.

The mural, on a wall estimated to be 5,400 square feet, overlooks city-owned Elliot Group Amphitheater on Clay Avenue. The amphitheater and grassy lot is the site for regular events, including Concert and Food Truck Thursdays, and is in the heart of Jeannette’s downtown.

Vieth said the church’s goal was to create a positive and encouraging message for the city and those who visit it.

Jeff DePalma, owner of the jewelry store, said the volunteers did a great job.

“I love it,” he said, adding that he feels the colors blend well with the surroundings.

He hopes the verse from Romans 8:28 — “And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose” — impacts someone’s life.

Vieth said the verse was chosen to expose viewers to a part of the Bible with which they might not be familiar in hopes that it will resonate.

“It’s encouraging in a sense of God’s going to work this all out, but, at the same time, it calls people to do something,” he said.

It was the church’s first mural but a project that could spread to other communities if opportunities present themselves.

“It was definitely a big undertaking,” Vieth said.