Former Albright United Methodist Church Overview:
- Constructed: 1905-06
- Architect: Chancey W. Hodgdon
- Patronage: Congregants of the Zion Evangelical Church
- Location: 486 S Graham St, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
- Notable Aside: Houses the city's largest collection of S.S. Marshall Studio stained glass.
This past weekend, the former Albright United Methodist Church became Pittsburgh's newest city historic landmark. Early in 2015 Preservation Pittsburgh partnered with members of the community to research the history of the building and congregation as well as to write a historic nomination. Through this research we were able to directly attribute all of Albright's stained glass to the studios of S.S. Marshall Studio, one of Pittsburgh's (then Allegheny City's) oldest and most prominent glaziers. We were also able to directly connect the design of the building to one of Pittsburgh's most prolific architects, Chancey W. Hodgdon.
Through the nomination process Albright received a recommendation from Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission and Planning Commission and enjoyed the wide support from neighbors and the community. Albright was threatened with demolition for the creation of a strip mall with a possible drive-thru coffee shop but the historic designation the landmark now enjoys will help protect it for the future.
This designation would not have been possible without strong involvement from the community and a dedicated group of passionate individuals and we at Preservation Pittsburgh would like to thank everyone who supported Albright's nomination! And remember, we're here to help everyone that needs assistance in preserving our City's unique heritage.