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East Liberty Presbyterian Church
Bridget Benjamin and Iva Provias
The East Liberty Presbyterian Church, nestled in the heart of Easy Liberty, is one of the largest standing buildings in town. Upon completion in 1935, architect Ralph Adams Cram said of it, “Of all the cathedrals and churches I have built this is my masterpiece. This church has been the most profound spiritual experience of my life.” Many years of planning were held to create this work of art. Finally on August 18th, 1931, groundwork began. After four long years f prayer, sweat, and tears, the construction concluded on May 12th, 1935. Over 1, 700 members of the church packed the pews, while 3,800 people listened to the service from other rooms throughout the church.
This masterpiece spans one entire city block and cost $4 million to build. The Sanctuary’s nave has a length of 202 feet, nave height of 75 feet, and breadth of transepts of 117 feet. The cathedral has a unique, European Gothic style architecture- a popular design of during the twelfth century. Several elements of the style are evident by its pointed arches, colored stained glass, and a cruciform floor plan.
The Sanctuary is particularly breathtaking. There are many features that make this Sanctuary exceptional. First, one can enter through the central doors of the Narthex. The design of these doors, and other inner doors are made from English oak, and were replicas of the doors at Cambridge University, England, at the time. Inside this area, the set of windows are accented with angels holding instruments of praise and a copy of the Scriptures. On the left and right of each aisle are Psalm windows. The left panels have various Psalms, while each right panel has one of the Lord’s nine miracles. In the chancel, there are five large windows. Each central panel tells the story of the final days of Jesus Christ.
Most magnificent of all, is the excellent craftsmanship in the pulpit area. Here at a parishioner sees three panels, in the pulpit explaining the preaching of God’s Word. The left panel is St. Chrysostom-known as the patriarch of the Easter Church and his religious writings and theories of the 4th century. In the center is Jesus Christ. The right panel is Scottish Reformer, John Knox. These three panels exemplifies the continued commitment to preaching the word of the Lord.
Characterized by a unique European Gothic architecture, and rich in religious history, the East Liberty Presbyterian Church continues to serve the Lord and carry out His message. Their mission is “to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul and strength our neighbor as ourselves.”
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