HAMILTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - HISTORY
Hamilton Church had humble yet forward-thinking beginnings in 1946, when 25 families of followers met to create an interdenominational method of worship. As was the case with many churches, it began in a private home – that of Paul and Marie Egede of Paige Drive, South Hills Acres. Originally named Overlook Community Sunday School, bylaws were soon written, allowing the dream of forming a congregation to materialize.
This young church’s heritage began, flourished, and continued to grow due to the dedication of its people. At its inception, grass roots publicity invited others to join in on the bi-weekly services which were led alternately by Reverend T. F. Wolfe of the Cobden Street Baptist Church and Mr. Emerson McIllroy of the Christian Business Men’s Committee.
The first church “structure” was an empty frame building with no heat or sanitary facilities located on Gus Georges’ property on McKee Drive. Members sat on wooden benches or folding chairs which they brought from home. Soon, the dream of new construction began to take shape.
The lots on which the present structure sits were donated by the Caste Development Company to the new Overlook Community Church. The current facility began its life in 1947 as a cement block basement structure, which was completed in one year – largely through the manual labor of its members. Reverend Ellwood L. Hauser, Pastor of St. Andres Lutheran Church of Carnegie served as the first pastor of Overlook Community Church. Choir, Friendship Circles, Christian Education, Youth Development and social events were prevalent in this budding church.
Overlook Community Church petitioned and was organized by the Pittsburgh Presbytery as Hamilton Presbyterian Church in summer of 1950. Reverend William G. Rusch was officially installed as pastor January 19, 1951.
At the laying of the cornerstone of the above ground structure, May 18, 1952, Hamilton had 164 Charter Members, whose names were listed and sealed inside said cornerstone. The current spire reaching for the sky has been part of the landscape since the early 1950’s. The groundbreaking of the education, office and lounge wing of the present facility occurred September 1959. The sanctuary was expanded in 1978.
The physical structures and faces of leadership have changed over the decades, but the heart of the church, its people, remains as its strength and definition. Hamilton enjoys a long history of importance being placed on following the word of God, enriching worship with music and strengthening the future generations through a solid and innovative Youth Ministry.
To read a detailed account of this rich history, please click here.
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