Emmanuel Episcopal Church is a vital, inner city parish with a congregation rich in diversity — ethnic, social and economic. Amidst this diversity there is amazing harmony, support and genuine care. It is a unity that often surprises even its own members — and one that we desire to share with both the surrounding neighborhood and the greater Pittsburgh community. Planted solidly on Pittsburgh’s
North Side, Emmanuel has been an active place of worship for over 140 years. From its glorious beginnings in the heyday of the city of Allegheny (now the North Side) in the late 1860’s , through the social , racial and economic upheaval of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, the church has managed to keep alive its commitment to outreach. Emmanuel’s contemporary congregation has discovered that creative and innovative outreach, when grounded in God’s love, can offer others the opportunity to experience the caring fellowship we have come to cherish. JAZZ AT EMMANUEL
Into it’s second decade, this monthly Sunday evening service continues to reach out to jazz musicians and fans, drawing people from all over the city and beyond. JAZZ AT EMMANUEL combines poetry, performance and Scripture meditations with live jazz to offer an innovative and inspiring worship September through May. See our Jazz@Emmanuel page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/163268938383/
ARCHITECTURAL WONDER
Emmanuel’s “Bake-Oven” Church building is considered to be one of H.H. The massive structure has been celebrated by architectural historians as “Pittsburgh’s most important religious building” and along with the courthouse and jail, one of the most important pieces of architecture in the city. Built in the 1880’s at the cost of $25,000, the fortress-like church building has served Emmanuel’s congregation for over a century. Inside, the massive rafters that stretch across the huge panelled ceiling give the impression of “an overturned hull of a great ship”. The interior feels both spacious and intimate and displays the most remarkable acoustics — a marvelous setting not only for worship, but for concerts and performances. Richardson’s use of dark wood and strong lines emphasize the delicate beauty of the white marble chancel which was added in 1898. Glass mosaic “Gibson Girl” angels glisten above the altar. Emmanuel has long been recognized for the masterpiece of design that it is. In 1968 it gained status as an Historical Landmark from the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation and has been listed on the National Register of Historical Places since 1974. As of 2000 we became a National Historic Landmark, one of only eight in Pittsburgh. The Mission of Emmanuel Episcopal Church is to:
proclaim, reinforce, and renew one's identity in Christ so that each child of God may be empowered for the work to which the Lord calls them. This mission statement is based on the understanding that the parish is where one may come to know the Lord, be discipled in that relationship (through worship, study, prayer and fellowship) and sent forth to proclaim the Gospel. Therefore, the hope of Emmanuel Church is to build an environment which allows one to draw closer to God. We believe this may be accomplished through the following motto:
SANCTUS
Safety through respect. A sense of the Holy (reverence). Norm of Holy Scripture. Centered in prayer
Together in expectancy. Unlimited listening with patience. Surrounded by diverse fellowship. Please come and join us in this journey:
Sundays 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM
2nd Sunday Jazz Vespers 5 PM
