The History of the First Presbyterian Church of Duquesne
The First Presbyterian Church of Duquesne was organized on September 14, 1888 as the Duquesne Presbyterian Church with 33 charter members. The church began
meeting in a tabernacle set in the midst of a grove of tall trees, known as the "Old Methodist Camp Ground." The camp ground of 30 acres had been used for religious services
during the 1880's and earlier. In that period, men, women and children from miles around, came by boat and trains to worship in this beautiful grove, the attendance running as
high as 10,000 on a single Sabbath.
Duquesne Presbyterian Church was the second Protestant church established in Duquesne, with the Methodist Church being established two years earlier. However, with the
recent closing of the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church is currently the oldest Protestant church existing in Duquesne today.
A Sunday School was established previous to the formation of a chartered Church by Nannie Davidson, Sarah Rath, Emma Donahay, ad Mary J. Delo. The School started
in a small cottage on the Camp grounds and transferred to the tabernacle when Mr. Patterson agreed to board up the sides if they would furnish the inside of the building.
A small organ was installed with Miss Anna Crawford as organist.
The first public service by the Presbyterians was held February 6, 1887 in the Camp Ground chapel. On September 11, 1888 a petition was presented to Pittsburgh Presbytery
saying that the Duquesne people were, "Praying that Presbytery organize a Church in their midst." With the affirmation of the petition, the Duquesne Presbyterian Church was
organized. Mr. Patterson donated a plot of ground and $10,000 to build a new church and in May 1892, construction was started at the corner of South Second Street and
Viola Avenue. The building was completed in May 1893 at a cost of $23,000 with a seating capacity of 400. An organ was donated by Andrew Carnegie. The membership
at this time was 137.
At the 50th anniversary of the Duquesne Presbyterian Church, it was reported that membership was 705 and plans were being made for a new church home on the current location
of Duquesne Blvd. and Fairmont Street. Sometime after the 50th anniversary the church name was changed to The First Presbyterian Church of Duquesne.
After telling the Presbytery that this church would never be open to a woman minister, the session invited Judi Slater to be their pastor and she was ordained at the church in
November 1992 and has served as pastor for the last 18 years. In a discernment process in 1993, the congregation discerned from God that ministry with
children & youth was to be their main missional direction which remains a strong ministry of the church today. In the late 1990's the session considered the changing Duquesne
community and after reviewing several options for the church decided to pray that God would allow the congregation to reach people for Christ and "look like the community."
Most of the current congregation have joined since 1992 and the congregation reflects the diversity in the community; racially, age, socioeconomic, etc. There is still a strong
ministry with children and youth. Rev. Maxine E. Jenkins and Student Pastor Mary Yearsely have joined the ministry staff.
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