Community Corner
Storm Leaves Cross Leaning Atop Historic Mt. Washington Church
A restoration contractor is assessing the damage at St. Mary of the Mount Church.
PITTSBURGH, PA - A recent strong storm produced high wind gusts and left leaning the large cross atop one of the city’s most iconic religious buildings: St. Mary of the Mount Church in Mt. Washington.
The church, which is visible from Downtown and many other city neighborhoods and is passed by thousands of tourists along busy Grandview Avenue every year, has closed its main entrance and 24-hour chapel as a safety precaution.
KDKA-TV reported that a restoration contractor has been hired to first steady the large cross and then to make permanent repairs so that it stays secure. The church foundation dates back to 1897, according to the Rev. Michael Stumpf, the parish pastor.
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It’s uncertain how long the repairs will take, but the church will remain open while the contractor ecures the cross.
St. Mary of the Mount, designed by architect Frederick Sauer, has been designated a historic landmark by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.
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Saint Mary Of The Mount Parish is dealing with an unsteady situation on top of the church... The cross is leaning, ready to tip over: https://t.co/8wiF1rFTIG
— KDKA (@KDKA) May 14, 2018
Photo via Shutterstock.
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