First Lutheran Church is the last surviving church on Grant Street in
downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1837 by the renowned
missionary Father J.F.C. Heyer, the congregation has played a significant
role in Lutheranism in North America. It was the first English-speaking
Lutheran church west of the Allegheny Mountains; the first American Lutheran
deaconess was consecrated in its first building; the first Protestant
hospital in America was founded in Pittsburgh by the pastor of First Church,
William Passavant; the organist of the congregation, Harry G. Archer,
collaborated with Luther D. Reed in setting the complete Lutheran Service
and the King James Psalter to plainsong chant; one of the earliest radio
broadcasts of church services began in the church. As the city changed
around it, the now-flourishing congregation struggled to identify its
purpose and mission and has come to understand that its role is simply to be
the church on Grant Street.
This account will be of interest to those interested in history, both
religious and secular, in liturgy and tradition, and also to those who deal
in practical ways with parish administration.
Award of Commendation from the Concordia Historical Institute.
"a delightful and engaging revelation of history, people and places as it relates to the advance of Lutheranism in one of America's great cities. In a manner that is memorable and makes the reader ponder the nature of churches, the writer guides us through the challenges and opportunities of urban church setting."
Philip Pfatteicher was Associate Pastor of First Lutheran Church from 1998
to 2010 and concurrently served as Adjunct Professor of Sacred Music at
Duquesne University.
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